Hi everyone.

Recently I have noticed that my RPM's would drop in the morning when I start the truck. Seems to miss a bit until it's warmed up. While driving the other night, I noticed my headlights would dim and then come back to full brightness. Happens really quick, but not consistently. No other indication of a voltage drop inside the car.

I pulled the truck in the garage and hooked a volt meter to the battery. Volts were showing strong at 14.5 or so, but then the rpm's would drop and the volts would go to about 12.6 (or the volts go down and the rpm would drop)...pretty much what the battery would read without the alternator.

I checked the connections on the alternator and all looked good. Nothing happened when I wiggled them either. Also checked the battery connections and they were clean and tight.

The alternator is an eBay alternator I grabbed a few years ago, so not the original and pretty cheap. Actually surprised it worked this long.

Can you guys help me confirm the alternator is the culprit, or have any other ideas?

Appreciate the help!
Jamie

 

When your lights dim and brighten while driving it's alternator.

 

well really it your regulator, you can buy just a regulator and replace the one in your alt. most people just replace the whole alternator.

 

Appreciate the responses.

I still have the original alternator. It has a broken ground stud, which is why I replaced it. I am going to take it into a reputable shop here in Charlotte and have it rebuilt for about $125. I figure this would be better than another eBay alternator!

Jamie