Posted by Randy On Long Island [63.117.245.163] on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 15:22:18 :
Yesterday while using my wife's car, a 2000 Eldorado, I detected a lower than expected battery voltage on the DIC display, but all seemed OK. I later checked with a meter and running voltage was fine...14.2 V. Spur - of - the - moment decision; went to AutoZone for 'free check'. First....and last time. "Technician" brought, along with a tester, a 5/16' ratchet wrench. As I said, my first time, didn't know their procedure. He said 'start engine'. Fortunately I was able to get back around just as he was about to remove a battery cable. After me yelling, he said that was their "quick test" and they always did that first. If engine stalled, alternator was defective. That's fine on our PW's, and such, but not on newer computerized cars loaded with electronics. I've done the same many times, on mamy cars, over many years, along with removing batteries from cars while running and replacing with one needing a charge. Maybe this is AutoZone's way of boosting sales; let the alternator voltage spike and sort things out after the smoke clears.
By the way...everything is OK. Checked with yet another meter and DIC read - out is 1.1 volt off.
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