Usually my volt gauge reads at 14 but lately when i step hard on the gas for a few seconds the gauge goes from 14 to 12 within seconds. Is this because of my alternator?

 

It also returns to 14 once i let off on the gas.

 

isnt that normal ish? you are putting more of an electric load on your battery and charging system. it should only go lower for a very small amount of time until the altenator replaces that charge.

also, try sitting at idle with your headlights and radio on. with the window alreadly up, push one of the window switches to move the window up even though its already up. you might see a small drain on your battery. the rpm's may decrease and your headlights might dim a bit.

do you notice any change in your engine when the battery goes down? simply take your battery to autozone and have that tested for free.

 

The belt could be slipping.

 

thats not normal. The battery is only getting 12 volts when the engine is under load. I wouldn't be surprised if your battery dies in a few weeks or months. How long has the alt been doing this?

 

Yeah I just did my alternator 2 weeks ago and the belt is really loud and my volts are steady at 13.5ish and with the heater on it drops all the way to 11.8. The battery is also brand new.
Do I need more tension on the belt or do I need to loosen it? Will I screw something up if I don't do this?

 

Maybe its a problem with the tensioner or the belt itself. Check how worn the belt is, and how slack or stiff it is.

 

Brand new belt. The tensioner seems to be able to get stiffer but bounces back down. I dunno if that's normal or if its wear on the tensioner

 

I went to schucks and they tested my battery and alt. They said the batt is good and that the alt is running at 12.5. they said that when it goesbelow 12 than the engin will start sucking power from the batt. I think I'm gonna go and change the alt. Hopefully I can make it home from school before my car dies. 5-6 hour drive.