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Battery or alternator bad?

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Old 08-27-2012, 08:34 AM
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Default Battery or alternator bad?

I've been having some weird problems with my 02 4dr 4x4 and I'm thinking it's either a battery or alternator issue but I'm not real sure. Here is what is going on.

I noticed a few days ago that with my lights on my PRND321 and the odometer were flickering some. I have videos below. Then the next day it wouldn't start like the battery was dead so I popped the hood and move the battery cables around some and it started up but cranked for a bit. After I drove it for a bit it was fine.

Then the next day I started it and noticed the dash lights were dim and my volt guage was a little under the 14 mark and when I revved it up the lights would get brighter. After about 5mins of driving everything was fine.

Then today I start it up and noticed that some of the dash lights didn't come on. Right after I take off the tach, speedo start jumping and the lights on my dash would come on just like I had turned the key on all while i'm driving. After about a half a mile it stopped and was fine all the way to work. Any ideas on this would be great, I have videos below of the first flickering incase that helps.



 
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Old 08-27-2012, 09:29 AM
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When the key in the off position the battery voltage should be around 12.6 Volts. Once the engine is started the battery voltage should increase to 13.0 - 14.5 Volts as a result of the alternator charging the battery. If it does not, the alternator and/ or the voltage regulator are most likely the cause of the malfunction.
 
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Old 08-27-2012, 10:00 AM
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The symptoms you describe could be either a bad battery or a bad alternator along with it. Just go to AutoZone, etc and let them test the system for free and be done with wondering.
 
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Old 08-27-2012, 08:13 PM
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Well I went and had them both tested and they both tested fine. I went and put everything back together and I didnt notice the lights flickering like they are in the videos.
 
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