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Going under-voltage when stopped

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Old 06-09-2010, 12:20 PM
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Default Going under-voltage when stopped

My Formula (mods in sig) keeps going under-voltage when it is at a stop, particularly with the A/C on. It keeps flirting with the top of the yellow zone and has actually gone into the yellow zone and sat there for an extended period of time. When I give it some throttle, it jumps back up, but it just sits at 13 volts all the time, even at cruising speed. Does this sound like a battery or an alternator issue?
Old 06-09-2010, 01:21 PM
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Have you noticed your RPM being low at a stop?
Old 06-09-2010, 01:30 PM
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The problem is, you are taxing your cars electrical system. AC turned up and alt power output drops when they get hot. So hot weather and ac running put a heavy load on the charging system. Bottom line is this: Is your battery nice and hot when you go to crank your car up? Does it turn the starter over good? If it does, then your charging system is doing its job. Heat also takes a toll on batterys. So the summer will reveal some things you didnt realize during the cooler months.
Old 06-09-2010, 10:41 PM
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OK. Thanks guys. It does crank fine. I was worried that I had an alternator going out which I hear is not fun to replace at all.
Old 06-10-2010, 01:24 AM
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the alternator is not hard at all, its an easy job.
Old 06-10-2010, 07:18 PM
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check to see that the exciter wire going to the alternator is okay - thin wire going to the top of it. If it is kinked or damaged (esp hard to see at the connector), then your alternator will have reduced output. Happened to my friend....
Old 06-10-2010, 08:16 PM
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I have a 1000 watt amp, 12" woofer with Matts all around and an under drive pulley on my 427ci.

I have a PepBoys OEM alternator. I can have my headlights on bright, A/C blasting on high, and the stereo hitting hard..........and the volts don't budge at all.

So you have a problem with your alternator or battery.....its not the amount of electrical items you have going at one time. Stock alternator is plenty to support everything you have perfectly.

It takes 15 minutes to change an alternator. Just don't break the little tiny excitor wire plugged into the top of the alternator while taking it out. Unplug that sucker first, before doing anything.

.




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