I have an intermittent charging problem.
For reasons unknown my alternator only puts out about 10V at times and
then at others puts out close to 14V. During normal operation my amp
gauge reads nearly 35 amps of output most of the time. Lately the
needle has been showing a discharge condition (10V) and will sometimes
mysteriously return to 35 amps without warning. I have a 50amp fuse
running between the alternator and it's direct connection to the meter.
In the past, jiggling the fuse returned the meter to charge, but it's
no longer working. My voltage regulator appears to be functioning
normally.
I have recently added a 10" woofer to my stereo system and the
electrical system cannot handle it. The amp meter buries itself at
discharge if I ever turn on the stereo with the woofer hooked up (it
still charges with just 4 speakers in use). I have been told that I
need a component called a "stiffening cap," which is basically a 1
farad capacitor. It's supposed to take the load off the alternator. I
have not been running the stereo since the charging problem appeared.
Two questions: Where do I look to fix my charging problem? Will a
stiffening cap solve my power needs?
Jarrid, I have a feeling this is down your alley.
Christopher
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