dying alternator?

[JRock20G]

hey guys, since this morning my car is idling too low when i turn on all my accessories ex. lights, heater, wipers.. Battery is brand new and car starts fine wondering if it could be my alternator? .. also dies when i get off the gas and roll to a stop... i also smell some raw gas from the intake manifold, maybe not getting enough fuel? lights dim as i get off the throttle also. any help appreciated.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

hey guys, since this morning my car is idling too low when i turn on all my accessories ex. lights, heater, wipers.. Battery is brand new and car starts fine wondering if it could be my alternator?

It could be. Do you hear any screeching/grinding noises while the engine is running? That could be indicative of bad bearings in the alternator. Most auto parts stores will test the charging system for you for free.

 

[96' Eclipse GS]

It could be you Alternator...but just checking at a local auto part store "tester"...believe me because i work at a parts store and tell customers all the time that it's bad, even if it reads good...it will only read the voltage running without a on a load on...i just had that problem this week!.....tested mine...and "passed good"....but turned out to be it anyways....just saying.....

 

[starfish]

unhook all conections from alt ,bat.clean all connections then hook everything back up.This might help,if not get a new alt.Also make sure alt belt is tight.

 

[97gst_spyder]

I had an issue like this twice. Once was the + connection on the alt was loose. The other was the ground terminal was loose and cracked.

 

[miguelmcv]

Yeap. Take it to an autoparts to check that alternator.
Make sure to turn all the accessories so it lowers the IDLE.

If the rpm doesn't go down when testing the alternator,,,,, It will check as it is working.

It has to do the Idling problem when testing the alternator, other wise it will not show any voltage drop.

Or, If you have a voltmeter, You can test it when the idle is to low.
When the idle s low, test the voltage, If it is 12v or under, then you alternator is no good.

 

[JRock20G]

thanks a lot for responses, i do have a voltmeter around will try to test it out at the same time will unhook and clean all connections.. the thing is its one of those random occurrences, will happen mostly when the car is cold. i would rather do the work myself.. nothing is free around here and cash is short these days. ill update asap