I need help - electrical
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
From: In the drivers seat of a Corvette In Ks
I need help - electrical
Thanks for coming in. Heres whats going on. Battery light and the choke light stay on and get brighter when I push on the gas, up to around 18 volts on the gauge.
When I looked under the dash at the fuse panel this is what I see, 1 red wire hanging down. Does anyone know what this wire is or where it goes? or have any other ideas of whats going on.
Thanks.
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When I looked under the dash at the fuse panel this is what I see, 1 red wire hanging down. Does anyone know what this wire is or where it goes? or have any other ideas of whats going on.
Thanks.
[IMG]
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Last edited by tyler77; Sep 5, 2008 at 09:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Your alternator shouldn't be putting out anything over 14.2 V. if the gauge is going to 18V, the Voltage reg in the alt in bad. take the alt to an auto supply store to be tested. If it checks out good, you batt could be bad or your main grounds could be bad, for starters. I wouldn't worry about the red wire at just yet. 
After some more thought,, i'd say battery. A 12V car batt should never go to 18V unless it's open or has a bad cell.
Test them.
After some more thought,, i'd say battery. A 12V car batt should never go to 18V unless it's open or has a bad cell.
Test them.
Last edited by RunningMan373; Sep 6, 2008 at 06:58 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
18 Volts screams alternator assuming gauge reading is close to accurate.
It is good to check it w/ a VOM.
RunningMan373
You were right the first time about it being the alt.- not a car 12V bat. or gnds.
It is good to check it w/ a VOM.
RunningMan373
You were right the first time about it being the alt.- not a car 12V bat. or gnds.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Could also be a ground. If the Alt ground is at a significantly different potential then the battery Ground, the voltage reg will continue to cause the alt to push, and the voltage could go high, while the alt is still good. OP should check his 2 main ground cables as well.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 43
From: Choctaw Country
Could also be a ground. If the Alt ground is at a significantly different potential then the battery Ground, the voltage reg will continue to cause the alt to push, and the voltage could go high, while the alt is still good. OP should check his 2 main ground cables as well.
Have you changed anything else out lately or moded something?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
From: In the drivers seat of a Corvette In Ks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Check your wiring to your alternator, make sure there's not a broken wire to it at the connector, and check your grounds, main from batt to frame, and frame to engine. My '73 shem shows tha talt grounded at the horn ground bolt, at the front of the car. Check that wire too.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Trying to figure out why you have 2 lights on and if they are related.The choke light says you have lost power to the choke heater.Did you check both sides of the fuse with a test light? If so then you are going to have to get into the console and check for power at the choke heater relay.
On the alt light try turning your key to the on position and the alt light should be on...now unplug the 2 wire conn on the alternator and see if the light goes out.
On the alt light try turning your key to the on position and the alt light should be on...now unplug the 2 wire conn on the alternator and see if the light goes out.