So I'm wondering if I could have a bad alternator. My truck keeps dying after using the stereo lightly for maybe 10 minutes without it running. Right after I try to turn it over and it fails. The battery is fairly new I'm told when it was bought. Today after I jumped it again I realized I now have no stereo. And moving my AC controls, windows, or using interior lights cause my headlights to noticeably dim. So, bad alternator?
If so I'd like to go ahead and upgrade to the AD244

 

could be a weak shorted cell in the battery, i would get the load battery tested as well as the alt to see if its putting out the rec amps.

 

I'll take it to the parts store and ask them to test it tomorrow and report back here!

 

Oreilly's told me the alternator was fine. I'm still skeptical, but no matter if they're right or wrong I still have no stereo function.

 

This is a redneck test to check the alternator. While the engine is running take a flat head screw driver ok. Take the screw driver to the back round metal peace thats on the alternator if the alternator is good it will stay bc of the electrical charge. If the screw driver dos not get pulled to the back of the alternator like a magnit then its bad. I only explained it that way because i wanted to give you the best idea of how to attempt this redneck test my grandfather taught me.

 

What does the voltage read? Anything around 14 would mean the alternator is charging.

 

I might try this later. After work

 

Sounds like a bad battery to me. Did you get the battery checked while you were there?

 

It read 14.2 a few weeks ago, 13.8 now so I guess it's doing just fine. My biggest worry is my stereo not turning on. I'm gonna have to pull it out and plug it in to 12 volts to check it out.

 

No I didn't get to get the battery checked. The parts store guy was plenty rude and hasty enough and not a help. I'm gonna try a different store and ask them to check the battery.