Possible dying alternator?

[Eskimo10]

Ok so here's my story. About a week and a half ago, my car starts acting up. The lights started to flicker and the CD player cut in and out. Well we replaced my battery b/c its been about 5 years and it was about time, and she ran fine after that for about a week or so. Well last night I was driving it to go get some dinner and my car starts actung up again. I have a pretty large sound system in my car, a 1600 watt amp, and two 700 watt rms 12" subs. Well the lights would flicker and dim when the subs hit, and then the CD player would cut out. And whenI went from high beams to low beams the CD player cut out. Is this due to a dying alternator? Or is there something else causing this? I check all my wires this week and the connections were all good, so I doubt its that. Thanks for all your input!

[Eskimo10]

I also had the alternator tested, it pushes normal amos like 70 or 78 or whatever when the amp is off, but like 48 when the lights and amp are on. is this normal?

[Eskimo10]

Ok more news. I went out today to the movies, and my car started right up and ran with no problems. But after the movie, I coudln't start it, I got no power anywhere. I got a jump and it ran fine except when I turn the lights on. When I turn my lights on the CD player cuts out. And now that I'm inside and the car is outside its dead. I don't know whats going on. Anyhelp is greatly appreciated.

[maxassassin]

yea that soudns like your alternator. if it hestitates when yo ustart off then thats what it is. plus if your running a sound system you need to be running farad power caps. probably a 3 to 5 for good measures. a good sign when the power in your car is goign down is if your cd playershut its self on periodically.

[maxassassin]

ps. dont go by amps go by volts 13.8 to 15 is normal anything above is to much and below is to little.

[blackcomet]

If you want to be sure that your alternator is dead, just turn on your car and unplug your battery, if it stays on and doesn't choke like a retard then it's still good lol :P...anywho, if you see your sound system is taking to much power and stopping your alternator from charging your battery, get a god damn capacitator lol

[Eskimo10]

Ok I did that, and the alternator is fine, it kept the car running, however, I cannot start the car if I don't get a jump or roll it and pop the clutch. Also If I have the radio on and then turn the lights on the cd player cuts out.

[maxassassin]

sounds like you night have a short some were or your starter is toast.

[Eskimo10]

I think its a bad voltage regulator located in the alternator, which I'll be switching out tomorrow. I'll let y'all know how that goes and if that solves it.

[maxassassin]

you could always take the alternator out and have the copper rewound and have it rebuilt and youd be good to go for a long time.

[Eskimo10]

yup that was it. a new alternator and we're good to go.