voltage drop

[Empire932]

once again...1994 mazda mx-3...to make it quick and simple...with the car off the battery is 12 volts...with the car on its 14.4 volts...when i had my dad step on the brake it whent down to 13.0 volts(with the car on)
it climbs back up to 14.4 after about 1-2 sec..i know its not a major problem but it just bugs me.lol..any one have any ideas what it could be thank you

[lancec2c30]

Typically when you put a load on the electronics and the voltage drops it is a sign of a faulty alternator. If you have a shucks auto supply or Napa near by they can test the unit for you and tell you if it is defective.

If it is malfunctioning make sure you get it replaced ASAP. Once it quits and the battery goes dead you are stranded out on the road.

[falkon]

cant u get some1 to give u a jump though? or will it not aply for this situation?

[Empire932]

no, the car works perfectly fine, besides the fact that the interior lights dim a lil bit for a sec.when you step on the brake.its not a big problem it just bugs me that somethings not perfect on my car

[falkon]

no, the car works perfectly fine, besides the fact that the interior lights dim a lil bit for a sec.when you step on the brake.its not a big problem it just bugs me that somethings not perfect on my car

haha, thers nothing wrong with being a little paranoided with your car, when you are going 60 mph on the freeway, i would want everything to work to.

in the driving manual i have to read for my permit it says that a 60 mph crash has 4 times as much force than a 30 mph crash. (being tboned)

[MaXxMaN282]

well, the batt should be 12.6 at full charge when by itself. and the battery when turned on and being recharged its recharged at 14.4-15.4. If it drops to 13 when adding something to the electrical load, i say its either the alt compensating for the extra work or maybe its on the way out the door.

[Andrew32]

adding to the "if it fails" theory. My alternator in the 250 failed on our trip back from florida. Started losing my headlights at 2am and it was just dangerous. Stopped at a service station in the middle of nowhere and they wanted 800 for a new one. I just slept, waited for daylight and went home. Pain in the BUTT!