Originally Posted by
Erroniously_Spelt
2015 mitsubishi mirage
First, I know you'll say it sounds like the alternator, I know.
The other day, after dropping off the kids, I was headed home. My radio shut off and random lights popped on, on the dash.
I took it immediately to autozone, battery tested fine, but wasn't charging. So great, alternator, right? Took it out and tested it. 3x tested fine.
Battery was 12.3 volts while running. Should be 14.6. Same at alternator.
I thought I fixed it by cleaning all the connections from the battery to the alternator, wire brush, reconnected everything. I drive it 135 miles on the freeway, no issues. Drive it back, no issues.
Check voltage again, 14.6 while running. Great, no problem.
Next day, took the kids to school, same issue. Radio goes off, random lights pop on. Everything starts dying, battery dies.
Get a charge on the battery, limp home. Battery testing at 11.8 - 12.3 while running.
I'm of the belief that they only issue is now a ground fault. I've inspected everything I can reach, no corrosion, all good connections.
What's my next steps?