Car Talk!

Bizkitkid2001 · August 10th, 2007, 12:00 AM

Well, I landed a new job, so I will be able to save even more for a new vehicle. However, I do not plan on getting a more exspensive vehicle, I just plan on being able to have a bigger down payment and to be able to purchase a vehicle sooner.

Although, it actually really depends on how long it takes me to build up good credit. My mom said that I should wait around 6 months for credit to build, so that means only 2 more months to go until I will run a free credit report to see where I stand and then start seriously shopping.

carl33p · August 13th, 2007, 07:43 PM

Just saw a commercial for the 07 Mitsubishi Outlander. Paddle Shifters. Sweet!

SoloCamo · August 14th, 2007, 02:01 AM

QUESTION OF ZE DAY (or night!):

I've been noticing this for a while and now I'm getting curious: When I hit the brakes, the lights dim. As in as soon as I tap them, it weakens, and will stay weakened until I let off the breaks. This happens on my headlights, fog lights, and dash lights.

Also, my volts seem to be swaying more than they should, as in the meter is slightly shaky. It might be a loose connection, but I've never seen it do that before.

Any ideas?

Thanks again in advance for any/all advice

**RobRich** · August 14th, 2007, 02:06 AM

Start with the basics. Loosen the connectors on your battery, then clean up the battery posts and connectors with a toothbrush, wirebrush, sandpaper, etc. Reattach the connectors. I strongly suggest wearing gloves.

If the battery is servicable, check the fluid levels. I again suggest wearing gloves and to take care. Burns from lead acid batteries are not my idea of fun. If any of the the levels are low, you can add some distilled water - not tap water! Do not fill above the bottom of the tube insets where the resevoir cap(s) snap into place. Ideally the expert advice would probably be to add a proper battery acid mix, but the warm climate of Florida lends to increased evaporation of water from the cells, so a little water replacement is fine and acceptable IMO.

If the problem persists, then go to Autozone or Advance for a charging system check. You could have a failing battery and/or alternator.

SoloCamo · August 14th, 2007, 02:13 AM

Thanks for the fast response Rob! Greatly appreciated!

I had actually failed to mention that this battery was brand new. It has only about 3 months of light use on it. (that is, if my mind serves me)

The old battery was much beefier, and I foolishly replaced it in the search for getting the jeep to start with something Advanced Auto recommended according to their spec sheet.

See, what bothers me is that I can't recall if it did this before the change of battery or not.

Do they usually do free checks on alternators? I really didn't like how the volts were swaying so much today.

**RobRich** · August 14th, 2007, 02:19 AM

Yeah, many auto parts stores can usually do a free basic charging system check.

If you have an voltmeter, you can do a quick and dirty test. Basically, if the alternator is working properly, it should be putting out around 13.8vDC with only minor fluctuation. The voltage can vary according to spec, but around 13.8vDC is the usual suspect for many passenger vehicles.

I suggest going back to Advance for the test since that is where you purchased the battery. If the battery turns out to be the problem, it should be under warranty, meaning you will be in a better position to get a warranty replacement.

SoloCamo · August 14th, 2007, 02:26 AM

Thanks again, RR!

I don't have a voltmeter on hand, so I'll end up driving it up to Advance sometime this week.

**RobRich** · August 14th, 2007, 02:29 AM

BTW, it could be something a simple as a lose connection. Happens. If you can spot the alternator, take a look to make sure the connections are tight. Same for the battery.

There is the offhand chance it could also be a worn belt, but you would probably be hearing belt noise if that were the case.

SoloCamo · August 14th, 2007, 02:33 AM

Hmmm. As far as the belt. I got it changed about a month ago because the old one was completely shot and dried out.

Hasn't been squeeking, however in the past few days I have heard some chirps here and there, for no apparent reason. Maybe it wasn't properly installed.

Ugh. I wish I knew as much as I could.

Thanks again, Rob. I'll take a look under the hood when daylight hits!

**RobRich** · August 14th, 2007, 02:37 AM

If you are hearing chirping, it could be a belt. However, since the belt is relatively new, I am starting to suspect the alternator. If the alternator binds for whatever reason (worn bearings for example), it can lead to chirping as the belt slides over the stalled pulley.