As I was driving home this evening, I turned my A/C on and it really pulled my charge down. It was resting just above the red line, which it has done on occasion when the engine is under a load, and normally when at idle. I approaced a traffic signal a couple miles from my home and noticed a smell like something electrical burning. My gage was still resting on the red line and would not move, even under acceleration or when I turned accessories off. Does this sound like my alternator is shot? Thanks for your help.

 

Sure sounds like an alternator problem.

 

Clewis,

You could also have a problem with the battery or a load on the system that is excessive. Test both the alternator and battery. If they check out, start looking for loads that are above normal. With everything off except the engine, the alternator should have little problem producing 14 VDC when connected to a fully charged battery.

I'm guessing the battery is already at a low state of charge from the inability of the alternator to charge, so you might want to fully charge the battery before load testing.

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Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
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Thanks for your response. I took the alternator off this morning and took it to the parts store, where they tested it and confirmed it was dead. I replaced it this evening and so far everything seems to be working okay. I guess I'll find out for sure tomorrow.

 

Thanks for your reply. I took the alternator off this morning and had it tested at the parts store. It is dead. I had them check the battery also as you suggested. Although the charge was down, they determined that the battery is good. I put the new alternator on this evening and everything seems to be working okay. I guess I'll see tomorrow.