Hello! I'm not sure where to post so I put it here. The clock dims and now sometimes the dash lights illuminate even when they are turned off. The shifter (auto) has a clicking sound coming from under it when the brakes are applied as well. I had the battery tested and they said it should read 14...and when revved up it's power went to 11. They said the alternator wasnt charging the battery properly. The battery cables are very corroded so I'm wondering if that might be part of the problem. I've just never known an alternator to give any warning before they go out. And I would much rather replace a battery rather than an expensive alternator. Any help is welcomed. TIA, CC.

 

Clean battery connections and make sure connections are tight. However, low output from alternator should not result from bad connections. Alternators can fail slowly due to partial loss of rectifier diodes, reducing output DC voltage.

good luck

 

Another thing to check...
When flaky stuff happens that SHOULD be un-related, it's usually bad grounds. Trouble is, checking for bad grounds back behind the cluster is probably a PITA.

 

Hey Guys, Thanks for the advice. Well I had a test done and they say the battery is dead. So $85 bucks, clean connections and a brake light bulb later...hopefully we are in good shape. Fingers crossed anyway. cc

 

If the cables are corroded you probably want to replace those too. That should be very cheap. Corroded cables could also slowly kill the battery.