I need your expert advice!
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I need your expert advice! I have a '98 Z28 and I just recently noticed that when I accelerate from a complete stop, sometimes my battery gauge will drop into the red zone and my "check gages" light will come on. However, after I've gotten up to speed and I'm cruising like normal, that battery gauge returns to normal. It's more of an intermittent thing. I took it to Autozone and they checked, both the battery and the alternator and they checked out fine. Have any of you ever heard of this? Thanks.
TECH Senior Member
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From: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
My guess is the alternator is shot. Under a load, the car is using more power for spark. Tests are not a definitive answer. Not unless you took it out from the car and had their machine test it, instead of their handheld scanner. I know they require you to turn on the AC, the headlights, radio, yadda yadda, but that's not as much of a load. It could just be something going out in it too and thats why it's intermittent.
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Thanks. I appreciate the input. Looks like I'll be removing the alternator tonight. By the way, any tips on removing it? I know it's on the drivers side underneath the motor, but is it tough to remove?
TECH Senior Member
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From: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
The LS1 I think still has the alt on the top. I haven't dealt with an LS1 yet. All the other RWD GM vehicles I've seen, it's on the top of the motor. Left or right side, doesn't matter, it's just on top. My LT1 it's on the passenger side.
If for some reason it is on the bottom, it'll be a hassle. 90% of the time though, they're on the top since they go out more times than the other hardware.
EDIT: Alright, I checked google images and these are the 2 LS1's I found. I know the first one is from a Corvette, but it's reference. The second, I don't know what it's from.
Alt is top right. (Driver side)
Alt is bottom right. (Driver side)
If for some reason it is on the bottom, it'll be a hassle. 90% of the time though, they're on the top since they go out more times than the other hardware.
EDIT: Alright, I checked google images and these are the 2 LS1's I found. I know the first one is from a Corvette, but it's reference. The second, I don't know what it's from.
Alt is top right. (Driver side)
Alt is bottom right. (Driver side)
Last edited by Formula350; Jun 4, 2007 at 06:36 PM.
