i think i'm having problems with my altenator. I have been noticing my voltage meter slowly showing a lower # of volts than when i first got the car. (14.4 it used to sit at) now it is under 14. Also, when my windows are all the way up and i'm sitting at a stop, if i click both window switches upward the voltage meter will dip down to 12v and the car will hesistate/stutter. It is a fairly new optima battery, i was thinking maybe the altenator isn't supplying proper ampage causing the car to struggle on something so simple? Anyone else's voltage dip down to 12v when holding the window switch's upward while the windows are already up? I can have it tested, but finding time is costly these days. Let me know, thanks in advance.

i'm running 1 640x1 Kicker amp with 3 kicker subs. Stock deck. Maybe the stereo has taken it's toll on the altenator?

 

Do you have a cap on the stereo? when your sitting at the light messing with the windws is the stereo up? can you see your headlights dim? Usually an alternator issue, would completely drain your battery, it sounds like your setup is drawing more power then the alternator can compensate for. Try disconnecting the amp and driving it around for a few hours and see how it acts.

 

Had a similar problem like this one turns out my Battery was no darn good!!!

 

You can get both of them tested at an auto store. Check it out.

 

i do not currently have a cap. I have a GEL filled battery for the stereo, but the damn thing was so big and bulky i left it out. Thanks for the input, i dont think the battery is bad figuring it's only 6months old and is a red top. Possible that is faulty but unlikely. Off to have the ampage tested out, but before i do i will pull the power wire on my distrubtor and attempt the same steps with the amp powered down. Thanks for the input, if anyone else has had similar issues i'm all ears.