I recommend simply have the charging system tested and keep the ground connections clean and tight.

 

That is good maintenance. but won't keep the battery charged up.

 

It will if you drive it often!

 

Blue- post # 7 explains why it is not driven..

 

Yeah, it's been non-op for years now. I had to move it last month. Put my truck's battery in it, it fired right up, and purred. I have a friend that is interested in it for autocross.

 

I meant for someone driving their car, yes I know the neon was parked since 2014 or so.

 

From what I’ve read in these forums, yes, when the battery’s old, a new one can solve many mysterious electrical problems. That’s not the same as saying the battery causes a lot of problems; I don’t think it does, and thanks the the battery management system the OEM battery life tends to be ridiculously long.

And I don’t see any reason to think there’s anything inadequate about the OEM alternator.

If the battery’s old and you’re seeing electrical weirdness, start by just replacing it with the correct one of high quality, and make sure the terminals are clean and tight.

I have no idea if an excessively oversized alternator could screw things up. Anyone know the answer to that?

 

The voltage and amperage is controlled by the BCM , so a 180 amp alternator is not any better than a 130 amp alternator.
I did read about alternators and upping the amperage and how the wire gage needs to be increase to handle the extra amps.
so, if you’re loading up your ride with electronic gizmos then yes look into improving the charging system, otherwise, OEM ratings are best adhered to.

 

Ok, I give, even tho it was the Neon we were talking about.

 

I strayed off course, back to HHR