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1995 Chevy Lumina Alternator or just battery?

Tiny
JWARR
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
How can we tell if the alternator is bad? Our battery light is on, but the car will still start. As you're driving it the lights dim and it drives slow. Could it be just needing a new battery? We don't want to pay a towing fee if we don't have to, and the batter is too difficult to remove to have it tested.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2009 AT 12:50 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RENAUDTN
  • MECHANIC
  • 636 POSTS
The best way to check your alternator is to have it checked at a part store.
Quick test: When the car is off, you should read 12.6V at the battery. When you turn the car on, you should get around 14V (more if it's cold, less if it's really hot outside). If you get less than 13.5V, your alternator is probably bad; make sure you also check the wires and connections, as well as the regulator.
How old is your battery (avg battery life is 3-5 years)? If you can check the cells, make sure they have enough water.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2009 AT 2:52 PM

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