Battery? Alternator? Electrical?

[CiscoBite1Time]

i've been batteling some electrical issues since putting my motor back in and it's been about a good month since i really messed with my car. the last time i started my car was about 2-3 weeks ago. drove it around the block and parked it.

tonight after cutting the grass i started the car and it starts right up. i let it sit for about 5 mins or so and pulled it out of the garage to the end of the drive way. i stopped the car and i noticed the dash lights were dimmer than usual. i knew it would die on me i pulled the car back into the garage. the second i pulled into the garage the light got dimmer and i turned the car off. obviously at this point i can't restart it. head lights were dim. cranks but no luck. i left it at that and went inside.

about 1 hour later i take out the garbage and i decided to turn on the headlights and high beam for the sake of checking. the lights are bright, etc. i grab my keys and start the car and it starts. i let it run for a bit and turn the car off. now my question is, do i have a bad alternator? it's a newly purchased unit from autozone. so is my battery.

any input?

 

[justinschmiidt]

Did you disconnect the battery when you installed the new alternator? You may have popped the fuse under the hood. Even if it looks good from the top it may have a broken circuit on the side.

Use a DMM if possible and check voltage at the alternator while it's running, Also check the voltage at the battery while it's running with the lights off/on.

 

[LambdaJoker]

if you dont happen to have a dmm or know how to use one, just check the fuse on the alternator like mentioned above and get your alternator tested. and always remember, your battery's only purpose is to start your car, the alternator keeps your car's electrical alive. also, a good rule of thumb, always disconnect your battery when working on anything electrical, even if it seems to be smallest of things.

 

[redline2]

Agreed, I had a similar problem awhile back. I went through two alternators in less than a week. make sure the wire that bolts onto the alt. isn't having any contact with you case as it will arc and kill the alternator.