So I had the factory battery in my car, it died after 28000. I went and had it tested and it showed to be shot but my alternator was working fine. Now I bought a new gel battery so I would not have to replace it as often, and when I put in the new battery my alternator now does not go above 12.5v when tested. Thus my battery light is on. Should I replace the alternator? or leave my battery to charge up and hope that the alternator recuperates? or is there a test I can do to figure it out for sure?
ps: If the battery was touched against the correct polarity, could it injure the alternator?
Should I pay for the test? One quote I got was for $37 to test the alternator.. this to me seems extremely high. I was thinking about driving from Houston to Austin and back this weekend.. You think that could give the battery the right time to charge? Or is the battery charge irrelevant to the voltage production of the alternator?
Gel batteries charge at a lower rate that "normal" batteries. That may be why your light is on.
What brand is it? I haven't seen any listed for auto use because they don't seem to be able to output the cold craking amperage required. They also die quickly if overcharged in warm weather. What's your reasoning behind gel not having to replace as often?
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Xcharger with water injection, JBA headers
JBA duals with an H pipe, Roush rear springs, Che K member brace with torque limiters, Cervini's quarter window deletes, Canton polished expansion tank, Roush scoop, Street Scene Elenor grille, custom GT500 chin spoiler, PJ rear louvers, Black rear spoiler, BSM custom stripes, Hurst shifter, Billet interior trim, custom door welts, Autometer dash pod, AEM wideband, Autometer boost & Fuel pressure gauges
GrayPony: A tow guy told me that it would last me longer. as in 5-8 years. But if you have any concrete evidence stating otherwise I guess I can go back and return it.
Now I really would like these questions answered:
1. If the battery was touched against the correct polarity, could it injure the alternator?
2. How much should a proper output test for an alternator cost?
3. Is the battery charge relevant to the voltage production of the alternator?
4. Can an alternator boost it voltage output after the battery is fully charged.
5. Would a 400 mile drive charge the gel battery?
Super kudos for the person who answers these questions. thanks
At most auto zone, and advance auto. they test batteries and alternator for free. I believe Pep boys as well
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Stock for now. Two GT take off muffler, connected to a GT H-pipe.Upgrade instrument cluster. Shorty antenna. GT rear bumper. GT side skirts. GT front and rear sway bars. So many GT parts, and still a V6 engine. Damn. 18 inch Deep Dish Black rims, with polish lip. 255 front, 275 rear, soon changed to 285.
my alternator went bad at 18000mi. i thought it was just the battery too, went out got a new battery and it went dead 2 days later. luckily it was still under warranty. i would suggest getting it replaced under warranty or just gettin a better alternator all together. i think stl has one, not sure of the brand or where he got it from though
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2006 4.0 V6 Mustang/X Charger #128 Mods: Too many, check out my profile. Probably currently under modification...
my alternator went bad at 18000mi. i thought it was just the battery too, went out got a new battery and it went dead 2 days later. luckily it was still under warranty. i would suggest getting it replaced under warranty or just gettin a better alternator all together. i think stl has one, not sure of the brand or where he got it from though
I considered a PA alternator but decided to just go with another OEM.
[quote=Captainkrad;1371441]GrayPony: A tow guy told me that it would last me longer. as in 5-8 years. But if you have any concrete evidence stating otherwise I guess I can go back and return it.
Just replaced the original battery in my super duty and its a 1999 so that lasted 10
2006 Mustang OEM Alternator Problem 
