[03Shadowbob]

Well, I went out to start the truck today and the Optima Yellow top had just enough to get it started. Really struggled but it worked. I left it running while I washed it real good from this weekend mudding event and then drove it around for a few minutes to see if it would charge back up. I get back to my house and turn it off. Go to turn it on and it struggles but then nothing. It won't turn over. Now a few days ago I noticed a squeeking sound occassionally when I started it or was driving it. I figured it was a loose belt and I'd get it taken care of. Of course, I am a procrastinator so it didn't get done. I am not sure if that had anything to do with it or not. I am running a winch on Warn disconnects that I didn't disconnect from this weekend. I am running 6 additional lights though none of those were on and I never had this problem with them on my old battery. I have a small system consisting of aftermarket 6x8 speakers and one 10" sub with amp which shuts off with truck. Does anyone know how I can tell if it is my battery or my alternator that is bad? I figure I will need to upgrade my alternator soon anyways. Was hoping to hold off on that though until I got my AC fixed, my locker in the front and bigger tires. Oh well. Thanks for any help guys.

[SVT01RANGER]

i'm gonna watch this thread, i've been having trouble like this, but i don't have near the equipment on mine then you do, and i am running a red top

[02oregonedge+]

Take the battery in and have it tested. If it's not low on juice then it's prob the alt. like you said...

[karrbass4life]

yeah you can have have the batt. and the alt. tested at auto zone or advanced auto parts.

[SVT01RANGER]

my battery is new, i have had it swapped out 4 times in 2 years, so i hope its just not bad battery, can they test the alt while its still in the truck?

[karrbass4life]

They take it off the truck.

[Prerunner-Ranger]

I tested them while both still installed.

[97ranger xlt]

test the alternator-
just put a voltmeter on the battery - at idle the alt. should put out around 13.8 volts..

[Danger06Ranger]

If the alternator is charging, it will put out between 13-14.5V. You have 95A 3G apparently. The problem with yours is most likely that the brushes wore through the copper on the rotor. Its common, I think the copper on replacement rotors is harder than the O.E. copper. I rebuilt two of them for my Bronco, and that was the problem with them. A 130A like the one on my 06 is a direct bolt in. I'd recommend going with that route if I were you. I noticed a big difference going from a Autozone 70A 2G to a 100A 3G, along with 2/0 welding cable from the alt to a circuit breaker to the battery, and from the battery to the starter solenoid and then to the starter. Any questions?

[chainfire]

How old is the battery?

[03Shadowbob]

Battery is a month old. I need to get a tune up anyways so I'll get it started and have them throw in a 130amp in there. Do I need to upgrade the wiring for a 130a?

[04blackedge]

I would, especially since you have so many accessories.

[Danger06Ranger]

I'd at least upgrade the charge wiring to 4G audio wire, and add a circuit breaker. I can get pics of my setup if you want.

[DangerRangerDan99]

just pull the ground cable off of your battery when your truck is running and if it dies, you need a new alternator.

[Danger06Ranger]

That could do more bad then good.

[03Shadowbob]

If you could get pics of that, that'd be great. Thanks.

[Danger06Ranger]

Will do, the truck its on is an 86 Bronco, but it has the 3G swap done to it. Its the same basic setup though.

[zabeard]

alternator or starter, i had some crazy issues starting and it was the starter, i thought the battery was junk or even the alternator, but it was the starter.