Just recently encountered my alternator going bad, dont think its the battery, and when i get in to start the car (it obviously doesnt) i put the key in the on position, and all the flick to their max reading for a few seconds, and come back down..what exactly does that mean? has anyone seen this before?

 

Pull the battery and go get it fully charged and tested.

 

I think it does it on every start? You're just paying close attention with the problem?

 

That is usually an indicator the battery is getting weak. Now, it could be that the battery is bad or the altenator is not keeping it charged, but I bet it's a weak battery.

 

guess mine's on the downward slide then.

 

I had that same issue a while back. Went and got a new battery and all was good.

 

yeah, i think my battery and alternator went out about the same time..because the alternator was making a whine, and i got that replaced yesterday, and the battery still seems weak on startup..thanks for the help!

ill go get it tested then

 

yep. bad battery.

heard good things about optima batteries, but interstate batteries have the best warranty ive seen by far

 

Good choice. I have had good luck with Interstate and they are competively priced. Optima is not the battery it used to be. They were bought out by a French corporation that has been living off the reputation and selling a bettery that does not perform up to that reputation.