ok i have a 1999 dodge neon dohc, automatic trans, when i start my care, all my lights are very dim, and my battery light comes on, which i assume means the alt isn't producing enough power, but when i rev the engine my lights get bright like they should normally be and the heater blower sounds normal and all, i think personally it is a loose belt, that at idle doesn't allow the alt to spin enough to make power. since the belt is old, as in 1999 old i was just gunna replace it, but here is where i am lost, how the heck do i get to the belts, i see the splash cover, but how does it come off? and how do i loosen the power steering pump to get that pesky vbelt out of the way, and then how do i loosen the alt to get the old belt off. or do you think it is something else in the car causing the power issue?

thanks for reading my huge wall of text.

 

ok bigger issue i think, got the splash cover off, and the belt looks fine, what else could cause this issue? bad battery maybe? i mean i know the alt works fine, because the lights really brighten up when i rev the engine, yet when it idles it is very dim, if anyone has any ideas i would love to hear them!

 

take the battery out a take it to autozone petboys whatever just get the batt tested. usually yor belt will squeek really bad if its slipping.

 

get a new battery, sounds like its about to short out internaly

 

i got the battery tested, it has the proper amount of cold cranking amps, and the right voltage.... so i am gunna get the charging system checked out, see what is really the issue

 

make sure the terminals are clean when install it back in the car.

 

i would have them check your alternator.

my second car ever had this happen to it, the lights and everything were fine while driving, and the first nite i had it, i noticed the lights get a bit dimmer when i stopped, but pull back bright when i was moving again.
had to tow the car home, as the alternator died enough that the car was using battery to run, and i stopped at a stop sign and between the two, it died, and battery was WAY to dead to start the car

don't be a fool, check your alt... (wrap your tool, but yea, lol)