exciter wire voltage fluctuating why?
#1
exciter wire voltage fluctuating why?
im trying to chase down a problem with my voltage guage dancing and lights randomly dimming. i just installed a new battery and new alternator and both checked out ok. so im wondering why would the voltage reading fluctuate in the exciter wire without turning any of the accessories on or off? a/c was of and fans were on the whole time, so that shouldn't affect it. i have also checked all power/grounds for contact and corrosion.
Last edited by poltergeist 02; 04-12-2011 at 09:01 PM.
#2
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What kind of alternator? I got one from PepBoys and it looked pretty. Piece of ****, would stop charging when it got really hot or cold out. Of course on their test setup the alternator passed OK.
I even rigged a momentary switch between battery voltage and the exciter - on cold days I would start the car, if voltage was low (alternator not charging) I would go under the hood and press the switch and the extra voltage made the crap alternator start charging.
Bought a used stock alternator off here and all problems solved.
I even rigged a momentary switch between battery voltage and the exciter - on cold days I would start the car, if voltage was low (alternator not charging) I would go under the hood and press the switch and the extra voltage made the crap alternator start charging.
Bought a used stock alternator off here and all problems solved.
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Another thing to check is your power steering pump. If the shaft seal is leaking it drips PS fluid on the alternator, bad.
I did OK with a reman PS pump from pep boys, no leaks.
Might want to pick up an exciter wire at some point. The wire can get strained at the connector during removal/install, just keep an eye on it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-02...item563c8ffac2
I did OK with a reman PS pump from pep boys, no leaks.
Might want to pick up an exciter wire at some point. The wire can get strained at the connector during removal/install, just keep an eye on it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-02...item563c8ffac2
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#8
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im trying to chase down a problem with my voltage guage dancing and lights randomly dimming. i just installed a new battery and new alternator and both checked out ok. so im wondering why would the voltage reading fluctuate in the exciter wire without turning any of the accessories on or off? a/c was of and fans were on the whole time, so that shouldn't affect it. i have also checked all power/grounds for contact and corrosion.
What voltage does this wire read when disconnected (unplugged) from the alternator with the engine running? This voltage will be a reading of what the PCM is sending to the alternator.
Without further testing, I'll say your problem is not the alternator.
#9
im trying to chase down a problem with my voltage guage dancing and lights randomly dimming. i just installed a new battery and new alternator and both checked out ok. so im wondering why would the voltage reading fluctuate in the exciter wire without turning any of the accessories on or off? a/c was of and fans were on the whole time, so that shouldn't affect it. i have also checked all power/grounds for contact and corrosion.
#11
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funny i am having the same issue. new alt, not a reman, and ps pump is not leaking on alt. gotta be that exciter wire or the grounding strap is hitting something and killing the voltage although mine hasnt gone below 11.4 yet but it does fluctuate between 14.1 and 11.4.
oh and i would use this exciter wire over the other one posted as it comes with 18" of wire compared to 6".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-A...lenotsupported
oh and i would use this exciter wire over the other one posted as it comes with 18" of wire compared to 6".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-A...lenotsupported