LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

electrical problem

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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 09:33 PM
  #1  
omaha stylee's Avatar
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Default electrical problem

i know this can't be the best of all things....
i bought the car in late july..... i have had it since then and have done all the regular maintenance... i noticed right away that the volts at start up during coldish weather is right at 13 volts....... however once the idle drops back down that the volts also drops down to just above the warning line 11-12 volts somewhere in that area....... anyone have any ideas???? is it drawing power from somewhere??????? the car is completely stock...... no joke.... i just dont understand where the draw could be coming from...... i would say the after market head unit... but it was at that voltage before i installed it.....
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 10:46 PM
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Doesn't sound like a problem to me. I have a similar situation with mine. The alternator just isn't turning as fast when it's idling. If it's dying and not idling then I would worry.
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by dhdenney
Doesn't sound like a problem to me. I have a similar situation with mine. The alternator just isn't turning as fast when it's idling. If it's dying and not idling then I would worry.
sorry, maybe i wasn't clear........ it stays at 11-12 when im driving it as well not just at idle
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 01:06 AM
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the gauge is for the alternator output. after you crank the battery is drawn more so the output will be higher. after the battery is fully charged the output should drop. just to make sure your voltage regulator isnt bad on your alternator you can rev your engine with your headlights on and see if they get brighter. the needle should stay pretty still while you rev the engine and the lights should not increase or decrease brightness.
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 01:12 AM
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needle stays still lights dont get dim or brighter........ but im still wondering why the gauge is reading so low
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 09:42 AM
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Could just be the cluster. I know mine went bonkers once (like I thought the car might die, but it wasn't showing any symptoms). I took the alt to the shop just for good measure and it checked out fine. That was a year a half ago. Gauge hasn't done it since.
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 11:15 AM
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I finally fixed this by changing the slightly burned up Ignition switch on the steering column
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by TwoFast4Lv
I finally fixed this by changing the slightly burned up Ignition switch on the steering column
ignition switch eh???
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