eclipse power problems. ~help~

[stevo2412]

this is weird i just bought this car it had to many problems im all good now except one.. for some reason when im at idle and i turn my air or heat on my lights dim down and my idle drops and sometimes my car almost shuts off. i dont know why it does this but i need some help. any ideas? before i buy a new battery.

thanks

[Blackcrow64]

Sounds like the alternator. Whenever you engage accessories that draw more power, lights may dim slightly. I have seen that with several of my cars. If it is drawing so much that the alternator is unable to supply enough power to even keep the motor running then I would have it tested to make sure it's producing enough power. I do believe any Autozone or similar store can test the alternator for you, although I don't know if they can do it on the car or not.

[stevo2412]

i dont know if its the alternator but iv attempted to check for vacuum leaks and i have unplugged my air compressor since this only happens when i turn my a/c on or defrost. i really have no idea what it could be but i need help im getting frustrated!

[Blackcrow64]

You need to check the alternator...

[SilvrEclipse]

Definitely have the alternator checked out. Also may want to check the IAC, if the motor is dropping the idle with the accessories on. It should be compensating for the increased load.