alternator woes, on the 96 ST Options

[sinner96ST]

I'm having some problems with the electrical system in my car, was wondering if this is a common occurance on the 6gc, or is a fault in the alternator.

Replaced the battery not even 6 months ago

1) car will make a repeated chirping/raspy noise, when the headlights are on and i turn on the air. it's louder when the defroster is on, and i can definately hear it at a light while i'm stopped (auto ST).

2) i notice that the power windows completely just suck the power out of the car. if i roll down both windows at once, my headlights dim, so do all the interior lights. same deal if i turn on the air. just dims everything.

Is it that the 7afe is so horribly underpowered that i can definately notice a strain in the engine when anything on the car is on? is it really that bad, or is my alternator on it's last leg? any comments would be greatly appreciated.

car has 64XXX miles, bone stock.

This post has been edited by sinner96ST: Apr 18, 2004 - 8:38 PM

[brianforster]

if my dome light is on and i start the car it dimms and so do my headlights
opening and closing my sunroof sometimes dims the headlights

I figured it was the alternator telling me it should be replaced, I guess Ill get around to it

Im in a GT btw so its not just your engine!

[3FingersCelica]

does anyone make a high output alternator for out cars?

[celimanST]

i have hook on anything car audio just let me know what you need I will see what I can do.


William

[playr158]

well i was fine for the most part untill i put a 800rms intake amp with sub and a bunch of other neon/indiglo/ps2/tv on
but now only the indiglow gauges dim when the bass hits

[x_itchy_b_x]

well the cable that comes off the alternator that charges the battery snapped because it was so rusted and gross. SOOO my battery died (2000 watt stereo did it quick) and turns out i put a new cable on and now my lights dont dim since there is less restriction. so u minght wann check that. when my car suddely died im like CRAP everyone told me turbo wasnt gunna last!!!! haha

[celicarocker]

[AudioFreak]

x_itchy_b_x is right. The stock cables are crap. I had a problem with my lights dimming when I'd hit the brakes. Found my batterys ground cable corroded internally. No problems since I changed it.

You can start by pulling off the cables and cleaning the contact points. Both ends. Don't forget the engine to ground cable also.

[titaniumkid]

im having this exact same problem. when i replaced my battery about a month ago, i didnt use the battery tie down, so the battery tray slides into the fan that comes on when you turn on the AC. I had my starter replaced about a month ago too at firestone (dont ask), and i think they forgot to ground something, because my car is stuck close to downtown, with the window down because i didnt have any power at all. I used jumper cables, and it didnt help. i took the positve off of the post, and connected it to the jumper cables, and nothing. my lights wont even turn on. also, i found out today, that firestone neglected to put the air intake sensor back into the airbox. anyway, if anyone has had a problem like this slightly, and have a good way to fix it, hit me up! my car is going to be stuck till the morning at least unless i find a solution sooner. =) thanks