| Subject: | 1995/Mitsubishi/Mirage/1.5/automatic |
| Question: | I have replaced the alternator and battery and had them checked at the auto parts store. The alternator is putting out 14.2 volts at idol and 14.68 volts when the lights are on. My problem is when i turn on the lights the clock in the car goes dim and it still drains the battery. If I let the car idol with the lights off it recharges the battery. I did notice the alternator belt is worn. Got any ideas? |
| Answer: | Karens, Its a good idea to replace your belts when you change your alternator. If you've never had that belt changed, its good to do regardless if that is a factor in this problems. All belts only have a recommended life of 30k-60k miles. It is possible that you have a short somewhere between your battery and
your radio. If you have an aftermarket radio (not the factory radio),
its very common to have a get a short (or bad ground) if the radio was
installed improperly. You should start by checking the voltage across
the battery while your car is idle, the lights are on, and your radio
is on at a loud volume. If you get a reading under 14 volts, there's a
problem with your alternator not producing enough current to keep charging
your battery. Its also possible to have a bad voltage regulator. If replacing
your belts doesn't help and you can't find a short or bad ground in your
radio, have your entire electrical system checked. Odds are there's would
a short somewhere in your system. |