I recently replaced the alternator and battery and my car still can't carry a load. When I turn my ac,lights,radio etc the battery charge drops to 12 on idle. But if the car is running it will charge.
Not sure I follow your problem.
The alternator puts out 13-14 volts at idle but very few amps. If you turn on the headlights at idle the voltage may drop to 12 until you raise engine speed. The amperage goes up with engine speed.
Is the battery voltage at least 14 when the engine speed is 1500RPM or more ?
Yes the battery voltage reaches reaches 14 when the engine is revel up to 1500 rpm. The problem is when the car is on idle it drop to 12 or less. Meaning the car is running only on battery power.
Sounds like everything is working normally. If no accessories are on, the alternator should be charging 13 volts at idle. Less with the accessories on. And yes the engine would be running off the battery at idle with the lights and heater on.
Any suggestion on what could be my problem. I can't drive at night because my lights are on and my battery will drain. So this is my issue. It sucks when I'm at a red light because I have to put my car on neutral and rev the engine
Based on your description, I don't see a problem. A fully charged battery is capeable of powering the engine for 30 min or more without the alternator providing voltage. Sitting at a traffic light for 2 or 3 minutes would not cause any issues if the system is working correctly. If you are driving at night at road speed and the alternator is not keeping the battery charged the alternator output would need to be tested at the alternator and at the battery. There could be a problem with the circuit between the two components.
If the only time battery voltage drops below 12 volts is at a stop with the lights and heater running, nothing bad would happen because the alternator would replenish the lost power as soon as you start moving.
Thanks guys. I just thought the issue was bigger. I'm not a mechanic but I know the basics. Thanks for the feed back.
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SOURCE: I have replaced the alternator
Hello. Welcome to FixYa. Please allow us to assist you.
The advice that I have to give you is to replace the new alternator. Sorry.
When you removed the negative wire from the battery, you inadvertantly caused an electrical problem in the alternator, which damaged one of the internal components.
The cables should never be removed from the battery with the engine running.
We are sorry that we do not have a better solution, but, in this case, the removal of the cable caused your problem. Perhaps you can return the alternator and get a replacement at no charge.
SOURCE: 02 echo ac issue
2002 Echo Installed two new headlight assembles tail lights will not work 7.5A fuse blows also daskk illumination does not work
SOURCE: When car is idling with AC on and power brakes
Check another vac source in/around engine. When you load engine with brake booster, then lower vac pressure w/Up idle, it's amplifying another vac source that might be weak.
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