alternator woes, on the 96 ST Options

[sinner96ST]

I'm having some problems with the electrical system in my car, was wondering if this is a common occurance on the 6gc, or is a fault in the alternator.

Replaced the battery not even 6 months ago

1) car will make a repeated chirping/raspy noise, when the headlights are on and i turn on the air. it's louder when the defroster is on, and i can definately hear it at a light while i'm stopped (auto ST).

2) i notice that the power windows completely just suck the power out of the car. if i roll down both windows at once, my headlights dim, so do all the interior lights. same deal if i turn on the air. just dims everything.

Is it that the 7afe is so horribly underpowered that i can definately notice a strain in the engine when anything on the car is on? is it really that bad, or is my alternator on it's last leg? any comments would be greatly appreciated.

car has 64XXX miles, bone stock.

This post has been edited by sinner96ST: Apr 18, 2004 - 8:38 PM

[AudioFreak]

x_itchy_b_x is right. The stock cables are crap. I had a problem with my lights dimming when I'd hit the brakes. Found my batterys ground cable corroded internally. No problems since I changed it.

You can start by pulling off the cables and cleaning the contact points. Both ends. Don't forget the engine to ground cable also.