Low voltage?

[babiebluboi]

I have a battery/voltage related problem. When I started the car this morning, it was a little harder to start and I could tell is was a voltage problem. Then I opened my windows and tried to open my sunroof at the same time, but only the windows would roll down. Once the windows rolled all the way down, then the sunroof opened. And might I add when the windows are rolling down, they're going down extremely slow! Same thing happens when I roll them up.

When I'm bumpin' my subs, the bass will hit only when I turn the subs on low. The higher the power I turn the subs, the least it will hit. When I turn the bass all the way up, it's like I don't even have subs!

It can't be the battery because I just recently got a motor swap and bought a brand new battery. The alternator is practically new too! So what could be the problem?

 

[Tooslowneon]

have you checked the connections between your battery and your alternator, or you could be pushing out 12 volts out of your alternator instead of 14 sounds to me like a wire issue though...... is your battery light on? get a voltometer and lemme know what the voltage is or go t your local advanced or auto zone and have them run a voltage test on it just a few ideas....

 

[luvmygst]

take it and have the alternator tested

 

[babiebluboi]

Well, the volts read "9.5" which is pretty damn low. Could it be that the alternator belt is loose? I checked it and it did seem to have more play that usual.

 

[Tooslowneon]

yeah maybe could be..... but your alternator could be bad if it was only pushing out 9.5 volts
yeah thats kinda low gotta love soe f the cheap parts for though so if tightening your belt dont work replace the alternator

 

[TSi16GAWD]

A loose alternator belt will not charge it correctly. Make sure you tension that up first. If that doesn't fix it, check your alternator fuse. If that isn't it, then take out your alternator and have it tested.

 

[Tooslowneon]

A loose alternator belt will not charge it correctly. Make sure you tension that up first. If that doesn't fix it, check your alternator fuse. If that isn't it, then take out your alternator and have it tested.

ok if there was a fuse blown the alternator wouldn't work period and his car would of died already if the loose belt doesn't fix the problem it is the alternator and i would suggest going and getting a couple of power caps for your system since that is most likely going to solve any more blown alternator issues

 

[totalazneclipse]

It's probably the alternator. I went through 3 alternators before I found one that really worked well. But those were all from kragen. You also said that the belt had more play than usual. Make sure its not too tight also cause I did that and wore the bearing out on the inside of the alternator. And I agree with Tooslowneon with getting caps.

 

[tonygk85]

how many amps is your alternator. what kind of system do you have how watts are you pushing and do you your ac and do you have a car alarm i had this same problem i put a red top battery and that help but you should look into getting a higher output alternator. that might help good luck

 

[upnorth84]

Power caps don't do anything, talk to any audio professional about that.

 

[oem_dsm]

I am having a very similar problem only i have no subs, and i have to get the car jumped to start, but once it starts the alternator keeps it running. But when i turn the car off the battery volts just drop dramatically and keep on going down, as if something is drawing power from it while its off!!?? Any ideas people?

 

[icekilla126]

I am having a very similar problem only i have no subs, and i have to get the car jumped to start, but once it starts the alternator keeps it running. But when i turn the car off the battery volts just drop dramatically and keep on going down, as if something is drawing power from it while its off!!?? Any ideas people?

you could have a bad battery....(just a thought) But if you think you have a draw you can use a multimeter to see if anything is putting a load on the battery when the car is off

 

[oem_dsm]

I had the battery tested, and its ok. And ive done the multimeter and fuse thing, and that didnt point to any place in particular. The car is drawing amperage when off and murdering the battery : (

 

[dsm1212]

mine did that when i first bought it too i would have to jump the car everytime and then when i came back to the car it would be dead, i found out it was the owner before me wired the stereo head unit wrong, he had the power source connected into the fuse box and somehow the deck always had power to it. when i pulled the wire out and put the correct fuse in the fuse box the problem went away hope this helps

 

[Defiant]

When I'm bumpin' my subs, the bass will hit only when I turn the subs on low.

Be careful with the underwater boats. You might try a chromed spoon for the bass.

Meanwhile, your battery's dead as Caesar, and it may be due to an alternator in the same condition.