Power issues at idle in cold weather, HELP! Options

[GriffGirl]

Okay so it's cold - unseasonably cold here this week. This morning my car kind of turned over "sluggishly" when I came out to start it this morning, but it did start on the first try. 25 minutes later when I arrived to pick up my friend to go to work, as I sat idling the battery light came on so I gassed it because I know that means alternator. Well probably a minute or two later it did it again but the radio and accessories shut off, but went back on again when I gassed it. This continued a few more times for the next 5 minutes, and when I went to drive away it did it one more time while I was driving to the end of the block but hasn't done it again since.

Is this just a cold weather thing wreaking havoc on my battery, or is my alternator going out? I've lived where it's cold before and don't remember this ever happening. I think my battery might be on the older side, although when I had the clutch replaced the battery died so I had it tested and it tested real strong on cold cranking amps. Anyone have any ideas? Should I worry?

This post has been edited by GriffGirl: Dec 17, 2008 - 6:54 PM

[GriffGirl]

Okay - how do I remove the alternator?
1 - loosen belt. Small 10 mm bolt or the larger one surrounding it?
2) loosen 14mm bracket bolt, slide out, remove alternator


Is this right?

[Rayme]

Okay - how do I remove the alternator?
1 - loosen belt. Small 10 mm bolt or the larger one surrounding it?
2) loosen 14mm bracket bolt, slide out, remove alternator


Is this right?

yes, its very easy to replace the alternator on the 2.2 celica...! You might have to re-tighten the belt after its all done as it seems its easy to not tighten it enough the first time.