Voltage Problem ??

[FrigginGLI]

Anyone know what my problem can be, I would appreciate it. When I'm sitting idle at a light, say after about 10-30 mins into a drive the voltage drops signifigantly, while I'm sitting. My autometer volt gauge shows it goes to around 13 then to 12 then the car just shuts off. The radio shuts off first, as a protection of course. My question is, is it the alternator? My best guess is a voltage regulation problem. Take into account that I have 2 amplifers and this happens when the music is really low. I rarely play the music loud so I cant imagine the alternator is toast at 15k miles. (boom02) It happens at random points too, battery is strong and steady at 12.2 volts too, optima redtop.

Not sure which section this should be in, if moderators feel it should be moved that's fine.

[viVid]

Check for a bad/weak ground on your amps? Loose alternator belt? Loose battery connections? Have the battery checked... could still be bad even if it shows good voltage. hmmm.... that's about all the suggestions I have, sorry.


Anyone know what my problem can be, I would appreciate it. When I'm sitting idle at a light, say after about 10-30 mins into a drive the voltage drops signifigantly, while I'm sitting. My autometer volt gauge shows it goes to around 13 then to 12 then the car just shuts off. The radio shuts off first, as a protection of course. My question is, is it the alternator? My best guess is a voltage regulation problem. Take into account that I have 2 amplifers and this happens when the music is really low. I rarely play the music loud so I cant imagine the alternator is toast at 15k miles. (boom02) It happens at random points too, battery is strong and steady at 12.2 volts too, optima redtop.

Not sure which section this should be in, if moderators feel it should be moved that's fine.

[Shane5425]

yeah have ur battery load tested, then have the charging system load tested, autozone can do that for you for free.

[Greg S]

Have everything load tested but yeah it sounds like you regulator is going bad. Now the bad news, it's part of the alternator so if it is you have to replace the alternator.

[FrigginGLI]

All the connections on the battery are tight , I have the big "3" done on the system. Everything is grounded nice and tight. Amps are grounded on the back seat bolts and are not budging a bit. My guess is the regulator is toast. Whats the price on a new alternator from mazda?