C1 Charging issues
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Erie PA
I have no idea why I typed VM instead of VR, but you are correct Frankie, I am referring to the voltage regulator. I'm not an expert of electrical on these cars nor do I claim to be, but from what I have been told by others who are more knowledgeable than I am, whenever the VR is replaced you have to polarize "the system" whether you want to argue that by touching the terminals on the VR, you are actually polarizing the generator in the process and not the VR itself.
I have to disagree about the comment that only time one needs to polarize the system is if the generator has been sitting on a shelf since my generator was still installed in my car and hooked up when I replaced my VR several years back. As I stated above, my brand new battery died within two days of driving and when I went to trouble shoot the problem, I was informed that every time the VR is replaced you have to polarize the system or it won't charge up. I was trying to help the OP who posted on this site to get some advise to solve his issue so he can enjoy his car. Like I said, it only takes two seconds to do and if it solves his problem, then he can go on to fix/clean the other 50 odd things he has/wants to do.
Hopefully this guys charging problem is not more involved.
Good luck to him and hopefully he posts his results.
Ted V.
I have to disagree about the comment that only time one needs to polarize the system is if the generator has been sitting on a shelf since my generator was still installed in my car and hooked up when I replaced my VR several years back. As I stated above, my brand new battery died within two days of driving and when I went to trouble shoot the problem, I was informed that every time the VR is replaced you have to polarize the system or it won't charge up. I was trying to help the OP who posted on this site to get some advise to solve his issue so he can enjoy his car. Like I said, it only takes two seconds to do and if it solves his problem, then he can go on to fix/clean the other 50 odd things he has/wants to do.
Hopefully this guys charging problem is not more involved.
Good luck to him and hopefully he posts his results.
Ted V.
I did notice that the red wire to the battery (off the VR) had electrical tape on it and once I removed it, is saw that the wire was spliced together. I am going to redo this, to insure that it is not a loose connection that could be the cause of my charging problems. If this is not the case, how extensive is the wiring that I need to get checked? It appears that there are not many wires that could be the cause of this issue.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
I replaced the Voltage Regulator (VR) last night on my car and polarized the system per the instructions that came with the VR - jumped 2 terminals for 2 seconds. I put a voltage meter on the battery before I started and got 12.6. I turned on the car and again read the battery at 12.3 so obviously the system is not charging.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Erie PA
Thanks to everyone that helped me fix this issue.
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,098
Likes: 1,351
From: New York New York
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I just checked the system now while revving up the engine and it is showing over 14 on my volt meter, so I feel confident now that the issue is fixed. I did notice that while the car is idling, it is actually drawing from the battery.
Thanks to everyone that helped me fix this issue.
Mark
Thanks to everyone that helped me fix this issue.
Mark
On the subject of polarizing, I owned 1930 ******-Knights for over 25 years and now my 2 C-1's and I only had to polarize the Maroon 61 because it sat in a garage for 25 years.
Joe
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I'm going to leave the download up for 1 more day.. If anyone here wants a copy of this please get it. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B28...it?usp=sharing
If anyone here wants a copy of this please get it. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B28...it?usp=sharing
