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			Ok, random problem....one day it started sounding raspy when i started it and by 7pm that night i couldnt' start the car.  I jumped it and it started fine, but the battery is fairly new.  So i checked the alternator by taking the positive off the battery while the car was running, it kept running so the alternator works.   
		
	
		
	
			
				What could it be? Thanks  | 
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			Join Date: Mar 2001 
				Location: Somerville, MA 
				
				
					Posts: 466
				 
                
				
				
				
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			Even if the alternator 'works', it needs to be regulated and produces enough juice to recharge the battery as well as run the rest of the car ... check with a voltmeter at the battery, should be around 12.5 when car is off, and 14.0 when idling ... 
		
	
		
	
			
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
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			Join Date: Jul 2000 
				Location: Sweden 
				
				
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			Did you remove the cable from the battery while the car was running? I have heard that doing that will damage the alternator. 
		
	
		
	
			
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
	/Magnus  | 
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			yes while the car was running.....and it shouldn't be bad for the alternator.  I took the battery off and took it to autozone and they tested it and said it was bad.  I bought a new one and the car started fine. When the car is off the voltage on the gauge is 12, and when idleing its at about 13.  I dont know hwo accurate the gauge is but should it read higher than 13? 
		 
		
	
		
	
			
			
				
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