Morning guys. When I bought my K5 2 years ago. I noticed that the headlights would not keep the same intensity all the time. As I accelerated, I could see there were slight changes in brightness, as if obeying to revs in the engine. Nevertheless, the voltmeter gauge kept the same reading all the time, so I did not pay attention to it.

Like 2 months ago, I noticed that whenever I switched the lights on, the voltmeter reading would drop to the edge of the red zone, but the car kept going. I did notice, though, that the dashboard lights would also go dimmer, but the reading kept just there, on the edge.

I last used it 2 days ago, but this morning the car refused to start.

I am suspecting it might be the alternator, or else, something to do with the fuses. But before I get into it this weekend, could anyone offer any hints, so that I do not go blind and guessing.

Cheers.

 

Sounds like the alternator is not charging the battery. Might be a bad alt. or it could be the wiring is corroded to the alt from the battery or from the battery to the engine block or frame. Something to look at before ripping out the alt to get it checked.

 

x2 on what thogert said. I'm guessing alternator, but check the connections, first. Any auto parts store can check the alternator for free. Might throw a volt meter on the alternator if you can get it jumped off, and running.

 

Auto parts stores checking the alt is usually useless. Unless you go in there, and say ' I would like my alt tested" and when they ask why, just say "I just want it tested" instead of giving them a specific reason.
Once you give them a specific reason they can put different kinds of loads on them if I am not mistaken.

 

That seems pointless to me. If they want to sell you an alt, they should short the dang thing to see how many amps are coming off it. Putting a small load on it wouldn't really say if it is bad or not as a poor alt may be able to generate a small current.

Couldn't say though, auto parts stores aren't known for their wisdom usually.