altenator problems maybe?

[status]

So I was driving to work at 530am had my lights on, radio on and fan. When I was stopped. At a red light it clicked off for a 1/2 second. Engine didn't die but lights cut out and radio cut out. Did this twice.   I k ow nothing about how an alternator dies.does it sound like the alternator needs to be replaced?

[Mike]

In theroy in this case your battery would have to be dead to expirence these things "going out". Did they turn off or dim?

[status]

Battery is 6 months old. Easiest. Way to explain is its like I quickly turned my light off than back on

[Mike]

Age of the battery doesn't matter. If the alternator goes your battery would be deal. It could be a voltage regulation issue in which the alternator could be assocaited but, it's not limited to a bad alternator. Is your car a 4 or 6 cylinder?

[status]

4cyl

[Mike]

Sucks I have a V6 Accord alternator from my upgrade to the pilot one. Take you car to your local advance auto parts, and they will test your charging system for free.

[status]

thanks for the help mike.

[timot_one]

This should be in the electrical forum.  Do what Mikes says.  It could be your alternator.  Make sure that all connections are secure on your alternator while you're at it.

[Mike]

thanks for the help mike.

Not a problem my friend.

[status]

OK so i woke this morning car clicked but wouldnt start. so i charge my battery and then it starts up tonight. but i had read a way to tell if your alt is bad is when your car is running disconnect the negative battery cable. i did that and about 3 min later my head lights start to really dim, (my headlights were on). so i start revving it at 3k and whole thing cuts off but doesnt quite die so continues to cut out every 15 sec. so is this final confirmation the alt is dying?

[timot_one]

No.  That's an old school trick, and doesn't apply to our cars.  The best way to test your alternator is to get a digital multi meter and see if you're getting over 12.6 volts while your car is running, with all your electronic accessories turned off (stereo, headlights, hvac).  Your battery should be 12.6 volts when not running, and above 12.6 volts when your car is running to show that your alternator is charging your battery.

[status]

i shouldnt have been a lazy pos, now im afraid of driving to autozone and having it die on the way or not starting back up.

[timot_one]

They have a battery charger there.

[status]

called they have a multimeter on sale for 9.99 gonna get that tomorrow. thanks for the help tim.

[timot_one]

That's how I roll.