i was driving today and when i came to a stop i notice my voltage gauge was really low (around 10v) and when i accelerated it would go up to about 12v and progressively float around, could the battery not be holding a charge or is the alternator not giving a good enough charge??? please help

 

Most likely its the alternator. If I remember correctly the voltage gauge is reading the alternator output.

 

This is true. before you go to change the Alt tho, CHECK YOUR BELTS!!!!! All it could be is a loose belt and a $30 belt vs. a $100 alternator....you see what I am getting at. Also check all your connections, corrosion kills electrical flow. And also double check your gauge, the gauges in our cars are not accurate enough and many times have false readings. Use a volt meter, or DVOM (can get then at Sears or parts store for cheap, great investment), and with the car running and making sure the belts are good, place the leads accross the battery terminals and compare the reading to your guage. Also check your battery terminals for being loose or corroded.

Good luck, and hope it is cheaper than an alternator!!

 

this problem just occured today, the alt always charged at 14v.. now all of a sudden the voltage is dropping at stops & returns to normal during acceleration- the belt's tight & the the terminals are tight too & clean.. would this most likely be the alt b/c they're both original equip & i was planning on replacing the battery & alternator anyway

 

Take the alternator to your local auto parts store - they'll test it for free.

 

BUt if the problem is intermittent then the parts store may not notice the problem with their equipment. If it is persistant then they will notice, and cheapest way is to bring it to them, otherwise sometimes they charge when it is still in the car. And if you really have doubts, replace it, or if it makes you feel better and it is OE, replace it. Choice is yours.