How long do i have!

[jasoncitrano]

Ok, so i noticed my coolant light, brake light, and battery light all coming on very very faintly, so i'm going to replace the alternator, but how long do i have before it actually goes? becuase this was happeneing last night and i drove it today and it was fine, it seems to run perfectly fine up in the higher rpms, but i know i should replace it, could it wait until the end of the week or should i do this tonight?
-Jason

 

[EclpzLvr97]

Obviously, you might wanna check your coolant level. Has the alternator been replaced before? Check your battery connection too.....and if it's been years, replace asap. You'll be fine.

 

[jasoncitrano]

yeah, i checked the coolant level immedietly, and the connections, i heard when this happens it's your alternator going anyways, so i figured i'd just replace it. it's a pretty easy job right? just unplug connectors, loosen up to get belt off then pull? wham bam done. thanks

 

[Quasimondo]

Change it ASAP. When the alternator dies, for sme reason, all three of those lights will activate. While it's faint now, you don't know when your alternator is going to give up the ghost, and when it does, you'll be depending on the stregnth of your battery to get you home.

How strong is your battery?

 

[91PlyLaser]

i would do it as soon as possible, so u dont get stuck somewhere when ur car doesnt even wanna crank, check ur alternator by starting the car, and putting a voltemeter to the battery if voltage starts to drop then its ur alt, if the voltage starts to drop when the car is not running then its ur battery . hope this helps

 

[jasoncitrano]

I Have my apexi afc and i've been taking the volt readings from that, are those not accurate enough? should i use the voltmeter across the battery for a better reading or is the afc good enough also what should the readings be at?

 

[Mirage2LTurbo]

14+ if your alternator is good, under 14 if not with the car running.