battery or alternator first?

[RollinRemz05 10+ year member]

What should I try first? Battery or alternator for droping rpms and dimming lights. Thanks.

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[zthumper 10+ year member]

big 3

 

[AJ²06 5,000+ posts]

big 3

Well... after that? :|

 

[937DYTBOI 5,000+ posts]

battery is cheaper than alt in some cases so i would say battery next

 

[AJ²06 5,000+ posts]

battery is cheaper than alt in some cases so i would say battery next

What if someone cant fit a second batt in the trunk/? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif [Me... lol] Would a battcap do? http://www.batcap.net/index1.htm

 

[thatsgonnahurt 10+ year member]

a battery will not prevent headlight dimming! this becomes obvious when headlight dimming is understood. it occurs when the alternators setpoint of 14 volts (apx) cannot be maintained by the alternator and the voltage of the electrical system drops towards the battery's float point of 12.6 volts. this voltage swing of 14 volts to 12.6 volts is why lights dim. no amount of batteries can bolster the voltage up to 14 volts. 12.66 volts wired in parallel can only ever be 12.66 volts.

i suspect your rpm's drop due to the alternators inability to maintain voltage. here again batteries will not maintain 14 volts.