Loosing charge(good alternator)

[donkjc2]

The car will only charge when it is at an idle, as soon as you rev the engine up it start to drawl down the charge and will not go back up until it returns to idle. I took the Alternator to Auto Zone and they ran the test and it checked out fine. It has a brand new battery. Any ideas?

[WmWatt]

Check the wires leading from the alternator. If you have a volt meter check the voltage across the battery terminals at idle and when reving the engine (pull on the accelerator cable).

[Roboskittle]

Your belt isnt slipping is it?

[donkjc2]

Heads up, Auto Zone sucks! I probably should not say that, my auto zone sucks. I took the alternator in and had it checked, the "kid" who put it on their machine said it was good. I talked with a few of my neighbors and they were all in agrement that it was the alternator. Bought a new alternator and it is charging and running perfect.

[Roboskittle]

There is something you have to understand about testing an alternator in Autozone. The climate in a building is perfect 70 degrees low humidity. Under you hood temperatures climb to way above that which could cause issues with electronics. Especially sensitive ones. Just because it works in the store doesnt mean it will work under the hood of your car. Had a guy with an escort here at work go through the same thing. I told him to just go in there and buy an alternator and leave it at that. Fixed his issue as it did yours.

I had a starter on my truck that was acting up when it would get hot it would not work and the battery would act like it was dead. I poured cold water on the starter and wouldnt you know it fired right up. I took it to autozone as a core and they told me they could test it for free. I said that is not necessary I know that it is bad. They tested it anyways and what do you know it tested fine. I said I am aware that it works when it is cold but when it gets hot sitting next to my header on a 440 it does not work properly. Well I dont want to sell you a part you dont need. I said ok hang on went outside and smashed it on the ground and brought it back in broken and said here I need a new starter. He just shook his head and said you will be back. I came back a week later in the truck he said see I told you that you would be back. I said yeah im back but not for anything related to the problem i fixed with that new starter you sold me.

Remember the people behind the counter are just regular people working a retail job. I love when people go in there and try to get technical assistance from the counter jockeys at the autoparts stores. What I love more is when the guys behind the counter chime in with their 2 cents telling me how and what to do to fix my car.

Glad you got it all fixed up and lets hope it stays that way for a while.

[donkjc2]

Great story. Next time they tell me my broken parts are still good, baybe I will just smash them in the head with the part. Just kidding. The kid tried to sell me a new starter after he checked the alternator and said it was still good. He said the starter was drawling too many amps and it was causing my charging problem. I am lucky to have good neighbors who I should listen to more often; also this great forum. thanks for the help.

[bhazard]

If the store is giving you that much hassle just tell them youre gonna go give someone else the money.

[miami man]

i travel about eight miles to go to one oriellys because the staff there know what they are talking about.