Mechanic Advice --- January 14, 2010, 10:47:17 am Yahoo Message Number: 109191argh. My battery indicator on the dash is concerning me. It starts very low, then as I drive, goes up to almost where it normally sits when the engine is running. It sometimes drops a bit when idling (stop lights) or coasting (no pressure on gas pedal). The shop checked the battery, said it tested fine. ..... Could this be the alternator about to give up?Thanks in advance --Helen (By the way, the Banks system works great that was installed a couple weeks ago!)[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Mechanic Advice --- Reply #1 – January 14, 2010, 11:20:07 am Yahoo Message Number: 109192Helen, Yes, it can be an alternator, but it could also be bad battery cables or a dirty connection somewhere. The place that tested your battery should also be able to test the charging system to rule out a bad alternator.Good luck,-Victor
Re: Mechanic Advice --- Reply #2 – January 14, 2010, 12:06:06 pm Yahoo Message Number: 109196Thanks, Victor! I'll ask them to check all connections and cables when it is in for oil change next week.:-)Helen
Re: Mechanic Advice --- Reply #3 – January 15, 2010, 12:14:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 109210Helen, Most likely it's just an UNDER-tensioned alternator belt. I would try tensioning the belt first.Sam
Re: Mechanic Advice --- Reply #4 – January 15, 2010, 12:24:10 pm Yahoo Message Number: 109212Thanks, Sam! I will ask them to check it and tighten.Helen