I think I need a new alternator again. Am I diagnosing this correctly?

[trjohnst]

So I replaced my alt about 3 or 4 months ago, my lights would dim, my radio would shut off and turn on and off and on, etc. I used to be able to grab the + connection under the hood and it would start charging back up, but that stopped working once it completely went out. Once I replaced it, it was fine, up until a few days ago. I was sitting at a light, playing my music, and my radio shut off and turned back on. It's getting more frequent, but my lights arent as dim as they used to be with my old problem. Well from what I guess, my voltage regulator is failing again, or the whole alt is not able to keep up with my system. I should have gotten an AGM battery for the back, but I spent my money on a bike (CBR 600 F2) . Anyone have any ideas on if it is the voltage reg? I guess ima take it back to autozone and get another one since I have a lifetime warranty.

[ineeDBass419]

If you can take it back and get a new one you might as well do that.what kind of power you running?

[trjohnst]

an AQ2200D, just switched it with my Crescendo BC2000d. So about 2kw with big 3 and 1/0 guage wire. I swear that BC2000D was more powerful than the Audioque AQ2200d

[cubs_fan0718]

What kinda battery you have up front? I'd add a battery in the back and see if that helps atm. Best thing id say if u can't afford a bigger alt atm, charge the back batt up every so often if you get one.

Edited September 24, 2011 by cubs_fan0718

[trjohnst]

The battery is from Honda and it's only about 8 months old.

[ineeDBass419]

Ide add a 2nd batt in the back..that should help out a lot.arnt them honda batts small?

[Skullz]

So you could grab the wire and get it to start charging again?

I would check all connections and make sure they are properly crimped or soldered so they don't increase the resistance the alt has to deal with in trying to charge the system.

Once that all has been checked and dealt with i would get at the very least a second battery but you really should get 2 new ones for the front and back that are matching and meant for the application.

[extremeauto]

easy way to see if ur alt is charging as it should is to disconnect the power from the batt while the car is running if it dies u need a new alt 4 sure...(negative or positive wire it dont matter just be careful with that positive wire)also you could have a dead cell in that bat i would get a bigger bat A.S.A.P and then work on a 2nd bat...also did you do your big three? it will help a lil even with a stock alt

[trjohnst]

The battery up front is a 550 CCA battery, about 6 months old. The connection problem was with my old alternator, when I put the new one in about 3 months ago, the problem dissapeared. So.......should I get an extra battery in the back, or get a new, big battery up front, like a Yellow Top, XS Power, or Kinetik battery? Either get a big, new one under the hood, or keep what I have and add an extra in the back, something around $150 bucks.

[extremeauto]

yes i would def get some extra batts in there...550cca is a small batt to be running big sound on ur amp is gonna take power where ever it can get it ..via the alt or extra batts i would shop around on battery prices i got a sriken 45 amp hour(im sure i spelled it wrong...lol) for $120 something on sonic it made a huge difference before i got a new alt ... it will not solve all your issues but you will be able to beat longer with less voltage drop till you get a alt....