Voltage dropping.....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Voltage dropping.....
So what's wrong now?? Starts at 13 volts, and within minutes is below 12 and still dropping. This is a brand new "Tuff Stuff" 80 amp chrome alternator from Jeg's. Less than 45 minutes of running time on the car. Thoughts???
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Voltage dropping..... (72Shark)
What kind of voltage gauge are you using? It could be the gauge reading low. Fluctuating a volt or two is not nessisarily a problem. what happens to the reading when you turn accesories on. Like wipers and heater and such. you couls check the gauge on another car to see what it reads. Im assuming yur using a hand held voltmeter. Does you car still have the engine ground strap in place? Just tossin a few ideas out there.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Voltage dropping..... (72Shark)
Is your battery staying charged? If so, then its normal, your alt is slacking off as load decreases. Turn on your lights and see what happens.
Racer
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Re: Voltage dropping..... (71,454,4spd)
I had a similar problem. I had some strange electrical quirks, and an appetite for alternators. If you have a bad connection, you could wear out an alternator very quickly.
My problem was a bad connection at the starter- the positive battery cable was bad.
My problem was a bad connection at the starter- the positive battery cable was bad.
