Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

I started my car today and I noticed the ABS light was on. I turned on my head lights, since it looked like it was going to rain, and I noticed the gauges were flickering. I turned off the light, and then the engine. I restarted the my car and the ABS light did not stay on this time and my car ran normal. This reminds me of the time when the alternator went out on my previous car, an Olds Ciera (I hated that car with a passion). The strange thing is after I restarted my car, the speed of which the engine turned over was actually quicker than it was the first time. What do you think? I have never changed the battery since I purchased the car (July 2002). Could it be this? I'd appreciate advice.

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

Do you have a voltmeter? When the car is off you should have over 13 volts across the battery terminals. When you start the car, that number should go up getting close to 14. Check the voltage when you shut the car off and check it again after you let it sit a while. If the voltage drops the battery might need replacing.

Good luck

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

they will check that **** for free at an auto store like Murray's.

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

I don't have a voltmeter. There is not a Murray's in my area, we have an O'Reillys' in our area. Do they do that for free over there? I know Autozone would do free diagonsises?

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

never heard of that. try auto zone?

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

Unfortuneatly I don't have one of those either. I'll check with them tomorrow and ask them first if they do that for free.

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

i don't see why they wouldn't. it helps them sell a battery.

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

Thanks Nick! I'll let you know what I find out.

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

OK cool. keep me posted. o yeah congrats on 450 posts even though ti isn't a special number or anything...

RE: Alternator, battery, or some other problems
 

Thanks again Nick! I hope to have more than 1000 posts by the time I have been on here offically for a year.