Yeah thats kinda what I figured. But I wasnt sure if the battery could cause the lights to flicker after the car was started cause I assumed that then the altenator would make the difference. It is probably all to me leaving my lights on that one time coupled with the fact that I dont know the battery's actual age. Looks like I will be buying an Optima Red Top. It probably also didnt help that I had bent the post after my first TQ converter launch....... didnt realise I had a broken battery tray back then Battery it is then..... Thanks Guys

Shawn

 

Check all your connections to the battery and to the altenator. Sometimes they get corroded or dn't fit on just right and won't charge fully. A bad battery will make it look like the alt is not charging well, but a bad battery can kill the alt also. With the broken tray it might have shorted something out also.

 

It could also be a slipping belt

 

Well the battery is definitely on its way out if it was at 10.17 volts and they say 10.5 is what they consider questionable. How would a belt cause this or is that sarcasm Trey???
Shawn

 

well, on my home from michigan, the roads were so bad my belt was CONSTALY soaked in water. when the belt is wet- it has less "grip" and hence slips on the alternator and doesn't spin it.

I didn't read this whole thread, just the first few replies

 

OHHH :P Cool.. I just wanted to make sure, since most of your advice tends to be right on But since you didnt read the whole post...... I swear Just Kidding

Thanks
Shawn

 

it might not just be from wetness too-
lose alternator mounts, stretched (old ) belt or even spilling a quart of mobil one motor oil on there ( dont ask how I know)