Quoting xzyha:
@DR1665
because i read something about "it will be pretty hot this summer, i need to get a new high amp alternator" sounding statement through these forums. I am not a gearhead like a lot of people here reason why i asked. and yes, AC COMES IN REAL HANDY FROM WHERE I AM, not because it's hot but, heat does not get to me like moidsm1 but when it rains, my windshield gets all clouded up. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bawling.gif
Since you're not a gearhead, I'll let you in on a secret: We tend to over-do things. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
The first thing I would do if I were you would be to double check the condition of my electrical system. With the car running and all accessories turned off (lights, fan, radio), check the voltage across your battery. You should see close to 14VDC (DC volts). If you see less than that, it could be a bad connection somewhere (corrosion), an old battery, or a failing alternator.
Corrosion: Make sure your battery connections are clean. Also double check the ground strap locations there and on the firewall at a minimum. (Follow the negative wire off your battery to where it bolts to the chassis. If it's rusty or corroded, you should replace it, sanding the surface below it to ensure a clean, metal-to-metal connection. Also check the wire going from the throttle body to the firewall in the center of the engine bay for the same thing.) Witt the battery disconnected, this might be a good time to make sure your alternator connections are clean and shiny.
After that, I would try setting the idle a bit higher. Follow this procedure:
click And try setting the base idle a little bit higher, like 850-900rpm. You may idle higher than normal most of the time, but it could save you from stalling. You can then dial it back down in the winter, right?
Good luck.
