2000 Chevy S-10 voltage indicater

2000 CHEVROLET S-10
136,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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MIKELOWTHER
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  • 2 POSTS
My problem started a few weeks ago when a friend asked me to jump start his car. The next evening, I noticed my voltage gauge dropping when at idol and rising with throttle. I replaced the battery thinking that it wasnt holding much of a charge. The problem continued so I took it in to a very reputable auto shop. They tested it and found no problem. Said maybe there was a problem with my gauge. Well today I noticed that the gauge is reading as low as 8 volts and does not rise with throttle. the low battery indicator light comes on as well. Although it has no problem running, I am worried that I will be left stranded. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

ML
Jul 18, 2008 at 4:24 PM
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SWILLIAMS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 597 POSTS
Might be a bad diode in the alternator. Start the engine and test for AC voltage at the battery. Or pull the alternator and take it in for testing. I would also test the voltmeter circuit with a known voltage.
Jul 19, 2008 at 2:13 PM
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MIKELOWTHER
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Thanks for the reply. I actually got stranded soon after writing this post. I called the shop that told me nothing is wrong and they sent a tow. They said my altenator was bad and charged me through the nose to replace it. Unfortunately I had no other option.

Thanks again
Jul 22, 2008 at 10:42 AM