Electrical issue?

[MagnaDaddy]

When I pull up to a stoplight at night the headlight is noticeably dimmer than at cruising speed and if I havn't charged the battery in a couple of days she's real hard to start.  So, I know I need to replace my 3yr old battery, that's the 1st step.  What else do I need to look for, check out?

[dgc67]

sounds like normal life span of a battery to me.

[lragan]

Ken, since your light brightens at higher rpm, it would appear that your alternator and regulator/rectifier units are working.  On my 3rd gen, nothing much happens charging-wise below about 3000 rpm.

I think a new battery should be all you need.

[hootmon]

You may just want to check your terminals for cleanliness.. It is probably your battery, but slightly dirty terminals could cause the symptoms as well..

[drkngas]

My 96 only seems to charge enough at 4500 plus rpms. If I spend alot of time in traffic or idling I will drain my battery after a couple of days, especially if the cooling fan is running.  I trickle it at home and carry a solar charger when I go out for over a few days.  I am considering replacing the major components of the electrical system but I'm used to my routine.

[MagnaDaddy]

New battery makes all the difference in the world