Strange charging prob
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 20
Strange charging prob
For some history I've had a charging gremlin came and go, basically I would think it's not charging due to the dash volt meter, do all the checks to verify it is in fact charging, smack the dash and the volt meter comes to life. This would basically happen on start up, not while driving. And it's not accompanied by the gen light.
Today there was a change, I was on a cruise and goosed it a bit and the gauge went all the way down and the gen light came on, I checked the belt was there and then drove the few blocks home.
I am able to verify that it is in fact charging. Checked at the alt, the batt and even at the + terminal on the coil. I did a search and found this thread:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ys-on-dim.html
And it has a quick way to check the diodes on the car and it all looks good there as well, so any ideas as to a common place to check on the car? I checked the connectors at the firewall near the fusible link with a volt meter and cleaned up the connectors anyway, same with the plug on the alt. I don't really want to get into the dash if I don't have to, if I do I will also be tempted to go aftermarket with some gauges.
Today there was a change, I was on a cruise and goosed it a bit and the gauge went all the way down and the gen light came on, I checked the belt was there and then drove the few blocks home.
I am able to verify that it is in fact charging. Checked at the alt, the batt and even at the + terminal on the coil. I did a search and found this thread:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ys-on-dim.html
And it has a quick way to check the diodes on the car and it all looks good there as well, so any ideas as to a common place to check on the car? I checked the connectors at the firewall near the fusible link with a volt meter and cleaned up the connectors anyway, same with the plug on the alt. I don't really want to get into the dash if I don't have to, if I do I will also be tempted to go aftermarket with some gauges.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Check the wires at the alternator. They have been known to break at the crimps where they plug in. IF you smack the dash and it comes to life, I'd have to think the connector on the back of the meter is loose or dirty. Of the gauge is giving up.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 20
Fixed it! 
I did check everything I could at the alt and said eff it let's see how hard it is to pull the center dash out. Not too hard it turns out, and I see the big plug in he back is at an angle and reseat it and start the car. It's all back to normal so I put the center back in knowing all my troubles are gone!
Then I see the oil pressure gauge is stuck somewhere past 80 with the motor off.
Off or on it doesn't budge but it's okay, I worry more about temperature and charging more than I do oil pressure so I think I can take it to work one day this week, which some work weeks is my only bright spot.
I'll pull it again this long weekend for a clean up and new bulbs, don't think I can get a new gauge in time for the weekend but that's okay.
I did check everything I could at the alt and said eff it let's see how hard it is to pull the center dash out. Not too hard it turns out, and I see the big plug in he back is at an angle and reseat it and start the car. It's all back to normal so I put the center back in knowing all my troubles are gone!
Then I see the oil pressure gauge is stuck somewhere past 80 with the motor off.
Off or on it doesn't budge but it's okay, I worry more about temperature and charging more than I do oil pressure so I think I can take it to work one day this week, which some work weeks is my only bright spot.I'll pull it again this long weekend for a clean up and new bulbs, don't think I can get a new gauge in time for the weekend but that's okay.
