for the last couple days, been having problems after starting, the battery light and "battery not charging" showing up. The first time it happened, took a few minutes and then shot up to normal voltage. Today it did it several times, shooting up to normal after a few minutes, revving seems to help it get there quicker. Once today, it got to where it would barely idle, then voltage went up to normal and light went off. I guess its safe to say I need a new alternator, unless someone has a different opinion.

 

anyone?

 

I think you are on the right track...

1. How old is the battery?
2. Have you cleaned the terminals lately?
3. What is the belt condition?.....

 

Check the battery studs, make sure that the cables are tight... Then go from there..

 

battery is new, a couple months old. All new studs. Had the alternator tested today, failed every test. Before I took it off, I sprayed it with electrical cleaner and it was actually working right. I just went ahead and bought a new one today and its all good. I tell you one thing though, I used to buy those cheap $20 drive belts and they wouldnt last that long, I bought an $80 belt from Napa about four years and 100,000 miles ago, the thing still looks great, not a single crack, no wear showing. It may have stretched a little but that doesnt matter because it was a little shorter to begin with.