what is the output from alternator supposed to be and could it affect dash lights

Asked by Colleen Sep 04, 2013 at 03:13 PM about the 1998 Buick Skylark Custom Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

when i start up 98 skylark, all dash lights and gauges stay on, and temp gauge quits
working after car running for a few minutes. also, alternator putting out 15-16 volts??? the
car was front end damaged, had tor replace radiator, and drivers side front fender and pull
it out a bit so it would look straight

3 Answers

migration_judge_roy answered 11 years ago

That output is totally normal...what may NOT be normal is the condition of your battery FIVE years old...tops otherwise you'll end up with a "dimming lights" condition as the poor alternator is workin' it's ass off to try to charge a battery that does not want to take a charge anymore.....get a NEW battery~

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migration_judge_roy answered 11 years ago

oh...and DO wirebrush the connection from the 1/0awg Black cable to it's spot on the chassis ground....coarse wirebrush the spot, the lug and put them back together...300 amps will WELD this connection and repeated starts=repeated WELDS....creating a boggered up condition...a coarse wirebrush will fix this~

Mark helpful

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