Brake & Battery light on start...alternator?

KingZTX

When I turn on my car, both the Brake and the Battery lights turn on together and the voltage meter reads anywhere from 10V-12V. A few minutes into driving, and as the car warms up, voltage reads back to 14V and both the Brake and the Battery lights turn off simultaneously.

The battery is less than 2 years old.

According to this thread posted nearly 4 years ago, Signs of Alternator failing, another driver had the same issue, and it was recommended of him to get his alternator checked. He never confirmed it was the alternator.

As a result of reading the thread, I'm going to schedule for my Z to be checked by the local dealership () for alternator failure or wiring issues.

If it does need to be replaced, I've got the two options of sourcing an OEM remanufactured alternator from Z1 ($550), or to get one for half the price from Advanced Auto Parts that is manufactured by CARQUEST. I'm thinking it's better safe than sorry and I should go with the OEM Z1 part for $550, but wanted your guys take on sourcing an alternator from Advanced Auto.

Let me know what you think, thank you.

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...and tomorrow I'll try again.
"Prince" | F.I TDX 18" + F.I 34 Row | ZSpeed Clutch + CMAK | Stillen Gen 3 | RJM V3.3 | Hotckis Front Sway | Powertrix Spoiler Add-on | Z1 SS Lines + Hood Struts

Spooler

You may have a dead cell in your battery. Have it checked first. Advance Auto will do it for free.

SouthArk370Z

10V is too low. If the alternator is putting out 14V, it's probably not be the problem. I'm inclined to believe that you have a bad battery (see Spooler's remark above) or the charging system in not working properly. Get an OBD scan tool and see if any PIDs are showing up when the dash lights are on.

Battery voltage, with engine off, should be at least 12V. If it's dropping below that after sitting overnight, you have a bad battery or excessive parasitic load.

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KingZTX

Thank you guys! I'll definitely get the battery checked by Advanced Auto tomorrow.

__________________
...and tomorrow I'll try again.
"Prince" | F.I TDX 18" + F.I 34 Row | ZSpeed Clutch + CMAK | Stillen Gen 3 | RJM V3.3 | Hotckis Front Sway | Powertrix Spoiler Add-on | Z1 SS Lines + Hood Struts

Rusty

Most ECU's shut down at around 10 volts to protect themselves from voltage spikes. Check battery voltage with the engine off. Then check it in the morning. If it drops. Then you either a a load, or a bad battery. If you take one of the battery connections off and leave it sit over night and the voltage drops. Then you know you have a bad battery.

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POS VETT

Do you have a float charger?