Aliens Zapped me Options

[macavely]

So i jump in my car ready to leave out to work .. put the key in the igniton turn the key car fires up just fine... but i notice that my lights are off but the switch is in the on position and the interior lights are really dim... so i'm like wtf ... so i rev the engine cause i notice the rpm's are at 0 .. then my window doesn't roll down... great...


so i turn the lights off then back on ... they turn on fine... then but the windows still don't roll down .. great .. its going to be a hot drive to work ... but after i put the car in 1st the rpm's jump up the interior lights brighten up and the window rolls down by its self.... weird...

[K-ESD]

hey mac that might be you alternator or just the fuse for the beast. i would take a voltmeter and test it it should be charging the battery at idle at abouit 14.4volts any less it is on its way out. but it shouldn't be that bad your alternator is right there. well best of luck. oh yeah the alternator controlls all body controlls windows guages stereo light brightness. the headlights are on a completely different circuit same with the motor.
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i'm sorry but that is wrong, the alternator does not "control" anything, it charges the battery, period - it's the ignition circuit that controls those functions. He could take out the alternator and with a good battery charge still be able to drive the car normaly (for a short period of time). The lights would be slightly dimmer, windows would roll slightly slower but will still opperate. Also burnt fuses don't cause temporary loss of power, they cut the power due to overload or shorts.

At idle the volt should be anywhere between 13.5 and 14.4, that can be tested directly at the battery terminals, doesn't have to be at the alternator.

please visit www.bcae1.com for reference


edit:
do what lagos said, also if you have a electrical diagram, check for a relay that controls those functions. That could maybe be your problem. If you have done any electrical work on your car, check if the wiring harness's at the area you worked on are connected properly.

This post has been edited by K-ESD: Jul 7, 2005 - 8:21 AM