Dim lights

[Bambikiller240]

Sounds like it's fixed to me.

[EScanlon]

I was told by the guys at the Battery Shop (Sears) that you shouldn't use the engine alternator to recharge a battery.

They recommended using a battery charger to bring it back to full potential.

E

[72' 240]

Amen to the guys at Sears on their feelings re. Alt. charging batteries. That is the best way to "wear-out" an alternator. All they are supposed to do, is to supply operating amperage;...and "cap off" batteries that are slightly down from the start-up, etc.

Many people destroy othewise good alternators with batteries that will never take enough charge to be at their best, and then add a high performance strero to the mix at that. Don't feel uninformed, most of us have had frustrated "alternator salespeople" stare us down after bringing our third one back (somewhat impatient with the quality of the obviously 2nd rate alternators that they sell). - HA!

[The Wingnut]

Hrm. Well, now I know. I do have two batteries, one of which I just recharged with a charger. Should I yank the one in the Z and give it a charging session?

[EScanlon]

Hook up the battery charger to the battery in the car, leave it overnight or until the charger reports full charge and forget about it.

Just remember the advice for the next time your battery dies, use the charger NOT the alternator. The old method of getting a jump start, then idling the engine for two hours will give you SOME juice, maybe even enough to start the car a couple of times, but it isn't the solution and you're taxing the battery and the alternator as well as the rest of the system.

2¢

Enrique

[Victor Laury]

Just food for thought... My car came up with the same symtoms just last week. "Oh No!" "What now?" "Another Alternator already?".... Nope, just turned out to be a loose belt.