Electrial ISSUE PLEASE Help

[jetskier2313]

Do alternators ever become weak? Or do they just die. Today my truck as been acting weird. Its been in the teen's and 20's all day. The temp of my truck at time of starting is that the temp needle is slightly above the C line.

I go and start it. Starts fine! I hope in put my foot on brake lights dim and ABS comes on for about 10 secs and goes away. HID fog lights begin flickering! I look at my Battery gauge and its way down. I have a feature on my radio that tells how my volts my car is putting out and it says 9V. The truck seems to be running fine. I rev it up Volts go to about 9.2V. I start driving about 5 mins of driving the volts get up to about 10. Then another 5 mins, 11v and another 12v. Now when I'm idle i get about 11.6v and when rpms are up 13.4V. I eventually stays like this like its normal. Did this twice today. The other times today it acted normal.

Would this be my alternator going bad?

I need HELP ASAP. I am taking a 1000 mile trip in a couple of daysl

Thanks,
Tyler

[95and05]

this could be 4 things that I can think of...
1. batteries- load test both
2. alternator - most car electrical shops will test for free\
3. voltage regulator - internal or external most can be tested by the electrical shop with your alternator.
4. bad ground or connection - check all battery connections and frame and block ground straps.

hope this helps good luck

[jetskier2313]

The batteries are 4 months old.

Where the best place to get the alternator tested and voltage regulator?

Where is the ground strap and block located? I have a gut feeling that it could be this :/

[jetskier2313]

Also if I do need a new alternator where is the best place to get one? Are their different output options?

[95and05]

ground wire from battery will go to the block (lower part of engine).
you will also have a braided type strap (flat braided wire about 1/2 - 3/4 inch wide) that goes to the frame and/or body. all grounds should be checked. sometimes they don't get good contact from the factory cuz of paint so a little corrosion will cause failure.

most parts stores can test alternators some not in truck though. just call around.
you can get a higher output if you want form most part stores as well.

4 month old batteries doesn't mean good. load test to be sure (free test at part store) and if good great but if not get bad 1 warranty replacement.

[jetskier2313]

Do both batteries go to the block?

[95and05]

I think but don't remember for sure. just follow the battery cables and be sure connection is clean at both ends.

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

get the Alt checked first.. but if you do need to replace it check this out: DC Power Engineering Alternators

ill be getting the 190/160 OEM version... its a great setup

-Raul

[jetskier2313]

Anyone else have any ideas?