Electrical Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth New Jersey
Electrical Problem
When I crank my car the voltemeter shows about +10, but 2 minutes later it drops to around +4-5, If I turn headlights or anyting electrical it stay at 0, and if headlights are on and I use the power windows it goes negative, like -5 negative.
Could someone tell me what could possible be wrong? And by the way my power windows NEVER go up normal speed, they're so slow it's like they don't get ANY power, and the same goes for my headlights.
Could someone tell me what could possible be wrong? And by the way my power windows NEVER go up normal speed, they're so slow it's like they don't get ANY power, and the same goes for my headlights.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
Originally Posted by Corvus
When I crank my car the voltemeter shows about +10, but 2 minutes later it drops to around +4-5, If I turn headlights or anyting electrical it stay at 0, and if headlights are on and I use the power windows it goes negative, like -5 negative.
Could someone tell me what could possible be wrong? And by the way my power windows NEVER go up normal speed, they're so slow it's like they don't get ANY power, and the same goes for my headlights.
Could someone tell me what could possible be wrong? And by the way my power windows NEVER go up normal speed, they're so slow it's like they don't get ANY power, and the same goes for my headlights.
Now, my ammeter jumps up to about 40 right after start then comes down. My first suggestion is to troubleshoot all electrical connections on the alternator and battery. I had a loose battery cable once and it gave me all kinds of trouble. If all the cables are good, remove the alternator and take it to an autoparts store for a test (most place can do that).
You didn't say if this happened at all RPMs or just at idle. Alternators put out a lot less juice at idle.
I don't want to jump to a conclusion, but it does sound like your alternator is bad (maybe the voltage regulator). Have it tested and you will know for sure. If it has to be replaced, they are fairly cheap (~$60).
Good luck.
Last edited by SteveG75; Jan 28, 2005 at 02:20 AM. Reason: Spelling.. doh!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Also, check the 2 wires at the top of the alt to make sure they are connected firmly. My car exhibit similar weirdness when I first got it. I found the brown wire to the top of the alt has broken from its connector.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
go for the 100! you might want to add more junk later and its more fun to brag about than a 85! also, even though id say your problem is the alt., dont put much faith in stock/ old as dirt gauges. their old now and probably werent to accurate when new anyhow. just changed all my gauges to new auto meters ( including the senders ), and man what a difference in readings.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth New Jersey
Originally Posted by redc3
go for the 100! you might want to add more junk later and its more fun to brag about than a 85! also, even though id say your problem is the alt., dont put much faith in stock/ old as dirt gauges. their old now and probably werent to accurate when new anyhow. just changed all my gauges to new auto meters ( including the senders ), and man what a difference in readings.
Yea but my lights don't shine bright enough, and my windows go up slow. And It's not my bulbs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
Sounds like you also want to check out the window regulators in the doors. Be sure they are greased up. When they get dry they can take a big load from the electrical system - not good for the window motors. What year car is it?