I went to get my charging system checked out and with the car running its putting out 13.8-14.1 volts so i guess my charging system is fine? another thing is i noticed a lil flicker of the lights when i press the brake with the lights on is that normal? The car fires up no problem so i dont think its the battery and the date on the battery is april 2010.
Is my cars charging system good?
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13.8-14.1 volts sounds about right. Your charging system is fine.
You're fine. The little flicker from the lights is just because the sudden load from the brake lights (likely incandescent) causes a ripple in the system.
Originally Posted By: boostedtsiawd
I went to get my charging system checked out and with the car running its putting out 13.8-14.1 volts so i guess my charging system is fine? another thing is i noticed a lil flicker of the lights when i press the brake with the lights on is that normal? The car fires up no problem so i dont think its the battery and the date on the battery is april 2010.
Try turning on the headlights, and the brights also, and A/C, and see what the reading is. I've seen alternators put out fine on small load, and then not work hardly under heavy load.
If it's still around 13.7/8 or more at 1500 rpm at full load, the alternator is doing it's job.
You could still have a bad battery or something in the car that's draining it.
Get the battery checked out at O'reilly's or some such place.
I went to get my charging system checked out and with the car running its putting out 13.8-14.1 volts so i guess my charging system is fine? another thing is i noticed a lil flicker of the lights when i press the brake with the lights on is that normal? The car fires up no problem so i dont think its the battery and the date on the battery is april 2010.
Try turning on the headlights, and the brights also, and A/C, and see what the reading is. I've seen alternators put out fine on small load, and then not work hardly under heavy load.
If it's still around 13.7/8 or more at 1500 rpm at full load, the alternator is doing it's job.
You could still have a bad battery or something in the car that's draining it.
Get the battery checked out at O'reilly's or some such place.
Voltage is only a part of the facts we need. To actully know if it's up to snuff we also need to know the diode ripple, battery state of charge etc.
Originally Posted By: boostedtsiawd
i noticed a lil flicker of the lights when i press the brake with the lights on
By "flicker", do you mean the headlights dim a bit?
Do they
1) stay a bit dimmed until you let off the brake pedal, or
2) dim and then immediately brighten again even though your foot is still on the brake pedal?
For #1, changes are good the battery cannot hold a full charge. There is a simple test for that, requiring nothing more than a voltmeter and 15 minutes of your time.
i noticed a lil flicker of the lights when i press the brake with the lights on
By "flicker", do you mean the headlights dim a bit?
Do they
1) stay a bit dimmed until you let off the brake pedal, or
2) dim and then immediately brighten again even though your foot is still on the brake pedal?
For #1, changes are good the battery cannot hold a full charge. There is a simple test for that, requiring nothing more than a voltmeter and 15 minutes of your time.
#2 and i meant the lights will dim when im parked and press on the brake pedal but will go back its like a second and also the lights will dim when i throw it in reverse or drive some say thats normal for this car but i dunno everything is stock i dont even have a aftermarket radio.
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Normal.
The flicker of the lights when you press the brake pedal is curious. I know that the brake fluid level sensors on some vehicles would develop leaks that sometimes shorted out the switch blowing a fuze. It happened on a motorhome I had and the fuse took out the brake lights and made it so you could not move the lever out of Park with the engine running. I doubt this is your flicker, but no harm inspecting the brake fluid reservoir at the fluid level switch for leaks.
Originally Posted By: boostedtsiawd
maybe the rpms are dropping alot causing this?
It's possible. Does the engine get a bit rough when you step on the brakes, then smooth out again? Perhaps there is some idle-up function that is not working properly.
However, a system that comprises a battery capable of carrying a full charge, and an alternator capable of outputting over 13.5V at idle, should result in NO dimming of the headlights when a sudden but normal load is applied.
I suggest that, instead of asking more questions about normal or not-normal, you perform the simple battery-test I suggested, a few posts back.
maybe the rpms are dropping alot causing this?
It's possible. Does the engine get a bit rough when you step on the brakes, then smooth out again? Perhaps there is some idle-up function that is not working properly.
However, a system that comprises a battery capable of carrying a full charge, and an alternator capable of outputting over 13.5V at idle, should result in NO dimming of the headlights when a sudden but normal load is applied.
I suggest that, instead of asking more questions about normal or not-normal, you perform the simple battery-test I suggested, a few posts back.
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