Been having problems with charging. Sometimes the voltmeter drop right down to 8v then jump up and be fine. Changed battery terminals, cleaned connections started up and was charging where it should. Got out of work and it was down around 10 volts hit the interstate home by the time I got home(15mins) it was barely over 12v. This morning same thing. So I sat there running to 2000 then it just jumped up there again. So you think connections or is my alt going south?

 

Sounds like your getting bleed over from something . Have you done any work to it lately (ie radio, lights, etc)

peace

 

My car had a lot of problems with low/fluctuating voltage, especially on start-up. Turns out it was my 17 year old battery cables. Replacing has helped a LOT.

It is a bit tricky tho as the cables aren't a standard hookup due to the fuseable link connections.

 

is it possible that there is a drain on the battery when shut off and it just takes awhile for the voltage to reappear from charging?

 

do this. Start the car, and while it is running, unplug both battery terminals. If the car shuts off, the alternator is not working. The battery should have the biggest strain when it is starting the car. Once the engine is running, the alternator (should) makes enough power to run the car and it charges the battery too. If you have a volt meter, you should be able to get around 14V of power coming to the battery while the engine is running and the battery disconnected.

If you just did some electrical work on your car, like a new stereo, amplifier, etc.. check that the power sources aren't receiving battery power while the car is off. The wire for power to preserve the memory settings on a car stereo will not drain a battery even after weeks of just sitting. I leave my truck sitting when the Air Force sends me places and it starts right up when I get back. (All charging systems are the same)