Mechanic said it isn't the alternator
12-22-2004, 05:49 PM
#1
TL ftw!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CALIFORNIA
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mechanic said it isn't the alternator
Went to a mechanic today at some gas station and he checked out my tl.. I told him the issues and he said it wasn't the alternator. He said my car was fine i was surprised because 2 days ago at night my tl's dashboard was blinking like it got darker than it usually is and my navigation isn't bright blue it wasn't as bright as it used to be so i was thinking it was the alternator.. What could the problem be?
12-22-2004, 06:04 PM
#3
Racer
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: RR, TX (used to be Seattle)
Age: 54
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Run a voltmeter at the battery. When the car is not running, the voltage should be between 12-13volts. When the car running, the voltage across the battery should be 14+ volts. If not, then your alternator is bad.
Make sure all your battery connections are tight.
Make sure all your battery connections are tight.
12-22-2004, 06:26 PM
#4
TL ftw!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CALIFORNIA
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yeah kinda like that.. by the way he checked out my battery plugs and said he thinks that was the problem causing the blinking from dim to bright..
Originally Posted by mrsteve
Does it go dim when you are idle, and then get bright again once you accelerate again?
12-22-2004, 06:52 PM
#6
6G TLX-S
Yep, your battery is about to die on you.
12-22-2004, 08:12 PM
#7
Yep, it's the battery. Mine did the same thing (32k miles on the original), and after a system and an HID foglight conversion, it just couldn't cut it. So I upgraded to a Yellow Top, and everything's fine now. I paid like 170 for it at AutoZone. A bit pricey, but I think it's worth it, especially if you're running a high-wattage stereo system and whatnot.
Trending Topics
12-22-2004, 08:53 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Lawaia
Don't overlook the voltage reguator as being suspect to your charging problems.
12-23-2004, 12:03 AM
#10
TL ftw!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CALIFORNIA
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
Yep, it's the battery. Mine did the same thing (32k miles on the original), and after a system and an HID foglight conversion, it just couldn't cut it. So I upgraded to a Yellow Top, and everything's fine now. I paid like 170 for it at AutoZone. A bit pricey, but I think it's worth it, especially if you're running a high-wattage stereo system and whatnot.
12-23-2004, 10:56 AM
#13
Intermediate
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Norfolk VA
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take your vehicle to an ELECTRIC shop. Most dealers do not know how to properly check an electrical system. They have to perform a load test, voltage test , output test on alternator with accessories on, etc. Most techs at the dealer are parts swappers. They do have good techs but they are far and few. Just like the aftermarket business. Be careful!
12-23-2004, 01:48 PM
#14
TL ftw!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CALIFORNIA
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Laffinitup
Take your vehicle to an ELECTRIC shop. Most dealers do not know how to properly check an electrical system. They have to perform a load test, voltage test , output test on alternator with accessories on, etc. Most techs at the dealer are parts swappers. They do have good techs but they are far and few. Just like the aftermarket business. Be careful!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rp_guy
Member Cars for Sale
9
07-16-2017 07:33 AM
adreano17
3G TL Tires, Wheels & Suspension
2
09-29-2015 08:48 AM
