sound like an alternator?

[zcoh2gdsm]

just recently started happening. On a cold start it idles fine, does the idle high till it warms up then it's 850 all day. However say i park my car for maybe an hour or so, sometimes it will have a really low idle, maybe 250-300rpms and low oil pressure (as far as the stock gauge says.) it wont die, but it will idle low. If i take it for a drive for a mile or two it's back to normal. The car did die on me 1 time just after i started it (hot start) i fired it back up and gave it a little gas and it stayed on but idled low again.

im just wondering if this sounds like an alternator issue, i know i need a new one cause i can sometimes see the headlights dim while im driving.

edit - other than that the car runs perfectly, i just spent the last 3 weeks fixing a bunch of things i saw wrong, havent had any problems other than this.

 

[U8NTRDY]

Are you familiar with a volt meter? If so, take one and measure the voltage at alternator, or at the battery while the car is running. You should see something in the realm of 13.4 volts

 

[zcoh2gdsm]

im at work currently thats the only reason i haven't done that yet. ill grab one when i get home and give it a test. the battery should see around 13.4v what about the alternator? same?

 

[U8NTRDY]

im at work currently thats the only reason i haven't done that yet. ill grab one when i get home and give it a test. the battery should see around 13.4v what about the alternator? same?

Sorry had a typo, should say 14.4, but yes it should be in that ball park. While the car is off (Alternator not turning) you should see 12v at the battery. While the car is running (Alternator on and running) you should see 14.4-14.5

 

[zcoh2gdsm]

fair enough, thanks!