l2iceman

Hey guys,

I couldn't find anyone asking this specifically online so thought I'd ask here...

I'm getting my alternator changed today since it crapped out. The shop says the battery's voltage is showing 12.78 or so, below the recommended 13ish and recommends to change the battery.

Is this needed? or should I see if the new alternator will re-charge or increase the voltage back up? Not sure if this is even possible, but just wondering... the battery in the car is one of those "no maintenance" batteries...

car is a 2001 Acura 1.7EL if that makes a difference...

MPR

Change the alt and see if the charge comes back up in the battery. It should read 13-14 volts with engine running. And 12-13 with the engine off if I remember correctly.

PurpleStuff

alternators arent cheap mike. even 12.78 sounds alright... does it sound like its having trouble starting up? or if you listen to the radio for 30mins with the engine off and then try to start it back, does it start up right away or is it still slower to start than before?

the rest of your sounds about right, i +1 it.

MPR

yeah, 12-13v is ok with engine off. Engine running, should be over 13v

l2iceman

Hey guys, so the battery shows 12.78 volts when shut off, I haven't tested it loaded yet but went to crappy tire and they checked the battery in which the device said the battery was good...I haven't gone home yet but will look for a meter to test under load