Electrical System Issue, would like some help please.....
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Holiday, FL
Electrical System Issue, would like some help please..... Ok everyone, got a 98 T/A with an Optima red top. I noticed that when i first start the car, the voltage gauge reads a tick over 14, which is ok. After a few minutes, it drops down to about 13.5-13.7 which is still acceptable. Once the car is fully warmed up, the voltage drops way down, probably 12.9 or so. I have checked the battery static voltage, it is 12.5 so that's good. When the A/C is turned on the voltage gauge reads just at the end of the yellow caution range. If i turn on either the turn signal or wipers, i can phsyically watch my voltage gauge jump back and forth when they cycle. I'm not sure what the problem is. The alternator is a brand new GM unit, but it still does it. But not while driving though, only sitting at idle like at a light. When I come to the light and sit, the voltage will drop down, and then the engine feels like it wants to stall, all the lights dim a little, and i press the gas to get it back online. All my connections are tight at the battery and alternator. It almost seems to me like it has something to do with a voltage regualtor but I know that it is internal of the alternator. You guys have any suggestions on what it might be? Thanks in advance for any help!!
Do you have an underdrive pully system? That behavior would be common if your alternator is not spinning very fast. That makes sense that it happens at idle and not while driving. Also make sure your belt has a good amount of tension on it and is spinning your alt pully like it should.
If you have to give it gas to keep it running, maybe you have another issue causing a low idle. Maybe dirty MAF or another sensor going bad or something. Does your CEL ever come on? Is your car automatic? Will the same symtom happen in neutral or park?
If you have to give it gas to keep it running, maybe you have another issue causing a low idle. Maybe dirty MAF or another sensor going bad or something. Does your CEL ever come on? Is your car automatic? Will the same symtom happen in neutral or park?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Holiday, FL
Originally Posted by jkichline
Do you have an underdrive pully system? That behavior would be common if your alternator is not spinning very fast. That makes sense that it happens at idle and not while driving. Also make sure your belt has a good amount of tension on it and is spinning your alt pully like it should.
If you have to give it gas to keep it running, maybe you have another issue causing a low idle. Maybe dirty MAF or another sensor going bad or something. Does your CEL ever come on? Is your car automatic? Will the same symtom happen in neutral or park?
If you have to give it gas to keep it running, maybe you have another issue causing a low idle. Maybe dirty MAF or another sensor going bad or something. Does your CEL ever come on? Is your car automatic? Will the same symtom happen in neutral or park?
Originally Posted by WhiteRhino
It might be possible you got a bad altenator. Also make sure that the little wire coming out of the top of the altenator is hooked up. Or that it's not broke.
people are starting to learn about that little sensor....check that because it effects the charging of the battery.....also when you turn the AC on, for it to fall is normal...mine goes from around 13.5 to 12.8....run a volt meter on the wires and see if there carrying the right load...
