Hi guys, here is the problem:

Battery guage is haunted(lol), will read belolw 12v somtimes. stays pegged between the 10v and 13v mark on the gauge then after driving around for a bit will jump back to normal 13v. Other times on initial start up will go to 13v then after driving around for a bit will get pegged again at 10v and 13v mark....Just put a new serpentine belt in the other day the old one was pretty cracked and worn, thought that might fix the problem...didnt thought... What gives???

any ideas..I have no heavy duty stereo system in it causing a huge load...Have a new Red top Optima battery in it also....

 

take it off and take it to an auto parts store to have it tested....

 

might have a cell going bad

 

cluster could have a bad connection or i know its a motto with most of the gauges on third gens is that they arnt perscsion instruments, i would do as mentioned before and take it to an autoparts store and have it tested for free, assuming u drive your car at night do the headlights seem to dim when it drops. im gonna vote that its a guage issue not an alternator.

 

Hi Jeff, you were right it was the connection to the gauge....Did a little test, pulled out the gauge and connected a voltmeter to the terminals with the engine runnning...and it read 13.3 V...re-seated the gauge back in here and blamo reading correctly no pegging....battery terminals were reading 13 V with the engine running.....Thought my alternator was on its way out