Lately especially at night my headlights have been really dim and the volt gauge has been getting lower and lower and wont recover unless I turn them off. My battery isnt even a year old yet. The truck just barely started after work yesterday and right before I pulled into our driveway, the needle fell all the way down to 8 volts and stayed there. So last night we figured it was my negative battery cable having a bad ground at the starter since it was all exposed and green. I replaced the whole thing today ($106 at dealer) but that didnt help. So a few hours ago I went to take the truck to AutoZone to check my alternator but I made it about a mile up my street and the gauge dropped down to 8 volts again so I made a bee line for home. I already missed work today and have to miss again tomorrow. I just dont want to waste any more $$ on stuff it doesnt need.

Does this sound like an alternator problem to anybody?
Any input is really appreciated!!

 

test the voltage when running 13.5 and the alternator is good, turn the headlights on also, stop throwing parts at it

 

I'll get my hands on a volt meter tomorrow.

 

I know your not happy to here this but why would you not think the alternator in not restoring the charge to the battery when the red light is on, and the voltage is falling?
And you guess it's a cable for the loss of two days work!
The mere fact that a nearly dead battery still tried to crank the motor is enough proof it's not the cables.

 

Well... Uh... Originally I just had dim lights so I figured bad ground. Then it got worse. Sorry for my stupidity. The cable did need to be replaced though, lemme go snap a pic real quick.....

 

I don't understand these things either, a tool box full of tools and not one volt meter or the brains to use it. First thing start engine, hook meter to battery then ask questions

 

Ease up, he's just a kid, he's learning.

 

For financial reasons I cant get a volt/multimeter till tomorrow.
I was just getting antzy to figure it out thats all.

sorry.

 

It does appear to have needed replacing.

 

Mmm hmm.

 

I hasn't refering just to him. Best tool in the box is a good multi-meter. Yes that cable did need to go, with your new meter you can check the R-value of that fine cable