so my bat gauge dips super bad when im using almost any accessory such as window wipers and head lights. but then bounces back up to around 16 afterwards. that normal? or is something going out. ive got a new battery installed, so im wondering if its alternator.

thanks.

 

the gauges arent 100% accurate. test it yourself with a voltmeter. mine does drop a little too. never had any problems with it though

 

you have have a bad alt. or the regulator in the alt. So alt.

 

Check your belt too.

 

There are several test you can do to test it.But it involves an ampmeter.Its prob just easier to take it off and have an auto parts store check it.my 89 does the same thing it drops about 200rpm with headlights and blower on high.I dont drive much at night and my batterys holding charge so i havent even messed with it yet.Oh and these days its cheaper to replace the alt than the built in regulator if you could even buy just a regulator these days.lol

 

His battery guage is dipping, not his rpms. Its not the same thing.

Supermac:
It is normal for it to move alittle when a large load is applied or un-applied. But if its dipping as extreme as your saying it is and then over recovering then it sounds like the regulator is having trouble adjusting the charge current.

 

lol right its been a long day didnt read it right.

 

No worries I was just being that guy again

Your situation sounds pretty normal. 89 22re or 3vz?

 

the thing is if every thing is working like it should this should not happen.

The battery should take up any extra power demands such as little things like the wipers and blower motor.

Then with trucks this old things wear out.

I am thinking a loose connection some place.

If this is a voltage regulator issue when you get these voltage swings does the charge light come on??

Large loads like winching and clusters of lights and sound systems on wheels are a different story.