molotovsoldier

I have an Ap1 yr 2000 with 28000 miles. Somehow my battery which i bought 6 months ago seems to lose power and keeps gettin drained. I've had my battery recharged at autozone 2 times now. I dont know if its my battery thats bad, alternator, or my wiring in my car ( i got a new viper alarm same time my battery was replaced, and a sounds system with amp and one sub.)

Does anyone know a place that test out my wiring if the sound system or car alarm is not grounded and test out my alternator and battery? how much does this run for?

Thanks fellow S2Ki members.

Ishinc

A few simple things you can try is taking a simple volt meter and see what the output of your alt is with the car running. Also for another test, you can start the car and unhook the battery. If the car is still running your alt may be okay.

Samer327

Autozone, Pepboys, etc can test your alternator if you take it to them, but Ishinc is right about the easy test. Since you have a sound system you should have upgraded your battery to something like an Optima Yellow Top.

chairmnofthboard

Autozone, Pepboys, Kragen, Napa, or simply disconnect the ground cable while the car is running.

jari8378

^^ This is true.

If the car turns off after disconnect the (-)ground, then the alternator is done. Not that bad to replace.

If the car stays on, then try getting a new battery. Do you have an aftermarket head unit? was it installed correctly?

05TurboS2k

^ Doing this with the car running is a way to possibly toast your ECU or other electronics. It does however let you know instantly if the alternator is working since it can't live without the battery unless it IS working.

I had to do this alternator test today on a G35 actually (coworker) but I do it knowing there's a small chance something can get fried. I've seen it happen before.

Just be aware.