What does it mean when...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Land O' Lakes FL
What does it mean when...
You need a hot shot every time you start the car, and while you are driving, the "Fasten your seatbelt" light stays on, even when your seatbelt is fastened?
Also, my turn signal sounds funny... Its slower...
Also, my turn signal sounds funny... Its slower...
Last edited by Jerry Curl; Mar 25, 2006 at 06:43 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Originally Posted by windsoreight
Have your alternator checked.
that's the first thing I'd check.If you have a muti-meter to check voltage you can do it yourself.
first check the voltage output at the alternator.
1. check voltage at idle - should be around 11-12volts output
2. check voltage with car above idle at approx 1100-1200rpm. voltage should be around 14.4 volts
3. check voltage at battery to see if battery is getting a charge - with car running at approx 1100-1200rpm you should see approx 12-13 volts at the battery.
the first two tests are to check the alternator itself, the 3rd test is to make sure there isn't a problem somewhere between the alternator and the battery.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Land O' Lakes FL
Originally Posted by BarryK
that's the first thing I'd check.If you have a muti-meter to check voltage you can do it yourself.
first check the voltage output at the alternator.
1. check voltage at idle - should be around 11-12volts output
2. check voltage with car above idle at approx 1100-1200rpm. voltage should be around 14.4 volts
3. check voltage at battery to see if battery is getting a charge - with car running at approx 1100-1200rpm you should see approx 12-13 volts at the battery.
the first two tests are to check the alternator itself, the 3rd test is to make sure there isn't a problem somewhere between the alternator and the battery.
What happened was, I went to the auto store to buy some wax and other cleaning stuff. Car was fine on the way there.
But half way there I noticed the radio cut out briefly every few seconds.
When I came out of the store, it wouldnt start. Had to get a hot shot.
Then I spent some time with the new shifter. Wouldnt start, had to get a hot shot. Then I returned the old shifter. Wouldnt start, had to get a hot shot.
So I drove it for a while to let it charge. Notived the turn signal clicking was slow. The noticed the seatbelt light.
Came home, turned it off. Tried to start it again, nothing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
well, for what it would cost just have have a shop check out the alternator for you (or less!) you could run over to Radio Shack and pick up a basic multi-meter to check it out yourself.
Otherwise, get the car started and take it to a place that does alternator repairs and let them check it for you
Otherwise, get the car started and take it to a place that does alternator repairs and let them check it for you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
with the alternator not working properly the entire electrial system is going to go funky on you. Also , if the alternator is dead it could be internally shorted causeing a ground issue thoughout the car causing all sorts of strange behavior to any of the systems.
Vettes have enough issues with grounding problems so anything that can affect proper grounding can cause major problems and strange happenings.
If the problem isn't the alternator my next guess would be a ground issue somewhere.
Vettes have enough issues with grounding problems so anything that can affect proper grounding can cause major problems and strange happenings.
If the problem isn't the alternator my next guess would be a ground issue somewhere.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Land O' Lakes FL
If I need to replace the alternator, is that something I can pick up at a local auto store, or do I need to buy one frome Ecklers or some place like that?
Is this an easy install? Never done this before.
Is this an easy install? Never done this before.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
I replaced the alt on a 77 I owned and when I went to the parts house and told them what it was going on the price was unreal! The guy behind the counter was super cool and looked through his books and found that the same alt can be purchased for $150 bucks cheaper if I told them it was for a camaro. He said the part numbers were even the same. I was floored! Of course I bought the cheaper one and it worked great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
You can find 100amp chrome ones for Corvette on e-bay for $79.00. Now they might be rebuilds, I'm not sure.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
They ARE rebuilds and there is absolutely othing wrong with that. Get the battery AND alternator checked. Pull it out and take it to autozone, they have a tester. You can chanhe it, 1 wire, 1 plug and 3 bolts.
Might be a good idea to aquire an inexpensive voltmeter and learn how to use it. Get a shop manual and a Assembly manual. You got questions, we got answers
Might be a good idea to aquire an inexpensive voltmeter and learn how to use it. Get a shop manual and a Assembly manual. You got questions, we got answers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Land O' Lakes FL
Yeah, Im going to get a voltmeter tomorrow and see whats going on. Then replace the alternator myself (if that turns out to be it).
I just never really worked on cars before, so I get nervous.
When I test it, should the car be on or off or both?
I just never really worked on cars before, so I get nervous.
When I test it, should the car be on or off or both?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
I would suggest getting things like alternators, water pumps, PS pumps, etc... from NAPA. Sometimes it takes a day or two to get it, but I've ordered a ton of stuff from them. They even have some of it in stock, as many parts are common with other vehicles. I got my clutch kit from them and it was on the shelf 
I've even ordered rear end seals, transmission seals, rotors, etc... from them. I'm happy with the quality, and the majority of stuff (in fact everything I've recieved so far) is USA manufactured (even my rotors). 
I've even ordered rear end seals, transmission seals, rotors, etc... from them. I'm happy with the quality, and the majority of stuff (in fact everything I've recieved so far) is USA manufactured (even my rotors).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by Jerry Curl
Yeah, Im going to get a voltmeter tomorrow and see whats going on. Then replace the alternator myself (if that turns out to be it).
I just never really worked on cars before, so I get nervous.
When I test it, should the car be on or off or both?
I just never really worked on cars before, so I get nervous.
When I test it, should the car be on or off or both?
whever you get it, have it bench tested before you take it home, also you local pepeboys will diagnose your chaarging system for 20 buck or so, then youll knowfor sure, also it is a good time to check your bat cables too, specifically the gound.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Jerry, your going to check the thing with the voltmeter in several places with the engine on and off. With it off you should read battery voltage 12.2 or so at the battery and at the alternator. With the engine running you should get 14.4 or so at the alternator and 13.something at the battery depending on the state of charge. Another check is engine off and disconnect battery positive cable and check for drain, should be 30 or so mil. If its significantly more than that, there is something shorted, turned on or a bad alternator. Disconnecting the alt should make it go away.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Clock Position
Hi, If you go the rebuilt alt. route make sure that the wires(in the plastic plug) hook up in the same position as the one you have, otherwise you may find that the wires will not reach or be in the way for something else, it is an easy procedure to do and if the one they sell ya isnt the same ,, they should be able to clock it for ya. good luck,,, Peace,, Moosie 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Land O' Lakes FL
I think I see the problem.
After looking closely at the alternator, I noticed the red cable was no longer in the plastic boot that plugs into the alternator. I can see the little sleave still inside the plastic clip though.
Now, do I need to replace all this wire?
After looking closely at the alternator, I noticed the red cable was no longer in the plastic boot that plugs into the alternator. I can see the little sleave still inside the plastic clip though.
Now, do I need to replace all this wire?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
just put a new terminal on the end, should be ok. Be careful not to over tighten it or twist the stud. Look closely and make sure the plastic piece on the alternator is not melted. might still be a good idea to get it tested.