[Osteonis]

A little while back I posted a problem I had with my battery guage showing next to no charge, but after reving it up it seemed to kick right up to where it should be, all responses pointed to my alternator. Since then I have noticed a couple of things, it only seems to happen when it is cold and my heat setting is on defrost, as well that is the only time it seems to squeel. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[tozier9]

I work at sears and we offer the $9.99 diehard battery service...This tests your alternator and the battery and any drain you have in the car. We also check the alternator belt and all battery cables. Might be worth a try. All the people with low batteries came in for new batteries cause it was so f'in cold here.

[anony91xj]

I'd start by tightening the belt, sounds like it's slipping a bit. The squeal with the defroster on is the belt slipping on the A/C compressor when the clutch engages...yes the Air Conditioning compressor turns on with the defroster. If that doesn't stop the squealing, change the belt. If the noise still doesn't stop, you may need an A/C comprssor.

If the battery/charging guage problems continue after the belt is tightened/replaced, I'd go to AutoZone and have them test the battery and alternator (they do it for free I believe), and confirm that both are good before going farther.

[Osteonis]

I knew about the A/C compressor and defroster thing, the belt was replaced about 8 months ago, but you are both right I should try those things before doing anything rash, thanks for info guys.