Could This Be An Alternator Going Bad??

[mindlos]

Two days ago I started the car and the battery light on the console stayed on while it was idling. It took a pretty high rev for 2-3 seconds to make it go away. At acted like that for the whole day and yesterday morning when starting. Now its completely gone :huh:. On one instance I took a voltmeter and measured 12.16V and dropping while the light was on and 14.4V after I revved it. Battery alone is 12.45V and this does not happen any other time other than starting. Could my voltage regulator or whole alternator on the verge of kicking the bucket? Anybody experience this and how long before things really stopped working if they did?

Edit: Its also getting cold out here!!

[guaynabo89]

First check your belt to make sure its in good condition and not slipping.

If thats ok than yeah thats a sign your alt is about to go.