OT: Charging System
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Valdosta GA
OT: Charging System
I'm at a loss with my 80 Z-28. I have a new battery and have tested the alternator twice. Have new cables and have checked for loose connections and bad wires. Still, the dang thing has a dead battery after a week of driving it and then letting it sit for a day without driving it. It is getting REALLY frustrating. Seems like the alternator is not putting a charge back into the battery, but I have had the alternator checked twice. Any idea's?
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Re: OT: Charging System (greatgonzoglenn)
charge the battery.
get a cheap voltmeter and measure the voltage with engine off. Start the engine. The voltage should go up to 14 volts or so to indicate the charging system is working. If this is all happening you could check for current draw with the engine off. Put your meter on current setting and remove the negative terminal. Place the meter between the batt terminal and the negative cable to complete the connection. If you have more than 100ma (0.1amp) there is something draining your battery. Then the hunt begins!
get a cheap voltmeter and measure the voltage with engine off. Start the engine. The voltage should go up to 14 volts or so to indicate the charging system is working. If this is all happening you could check for current draw with the engine off. Put your meter on current setting and remove the negative terminal. Place the meter between the batt terminal and the negative cable to complete the connection. If you have more than 100ma (0.1amp) there is something draining your battery. Then the hunt begins!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: OT: Charging System (turtlevette)
:iagree: If you find it is a drain while the key is off try removing fuses and see if any make a diff on the voltage draw using turtlevettes instructions.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Hillsborough NJ
Re: OT: Charging System (Fevre)
Check the main fuse that's between the alternator and the battery (should be pretty big). I replaced an alternator before I realized that I blew a $5 fuse on my truck. :crazy: :crazy:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: OT: Charging System (greatgonzoglenn)
Once you get your car running again, check the voltage on the battery. If it is 12V to 12.6V, then you are not getting any alternator voltage to the battery.
If it is 13.8 to 14.5 ballpark, then you are getting alternator voltage to the battery, and your battery will be charging up to this voltage level.
If your battery is charging and then goes dead after 1 day of sitting, you have a serious draw on the battery. Disconnect V- lead and place a 10 Amp multimeter lead set-up between the V- terminal and negative battery cable and measure the draw. Start removing fuses from fuse block until the draw stops and then trace with wiring diagram as best you can.
Best Regards, Brent...
[Modified by MN-Brent, 11:59 PM 1/5/2004]
If it is 13.8 to 14.5 ballpark, then you are getting alternator voltage to the battery, and your battery will be charging up to this voltage level.
If your battery is charging and then goes dead after 1 day of sitting, you have a serious draw on the battery. Disconnect V- lead and place a 10 Amp multimeter lead set-up between the V- terminal and negative battery cable and measure the draw. Start removing fuses from fuse block until the draw stops and then trace with wiring diagram as best you can.
Best Regards, Brent...
[Modified by MN-Brent, 11:59 PM 1/5/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Re: OT: Charging System (MN-Brent)
Have you had it tested on the vehicle? If you have idiot lights and the bulb for the alternator light goes out it will not charge the battery, at least not much. Other that that I agree with the above.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Valdosta GA
Re: OT: Charging System (markdtn)
Had it tested on the vehicle last night. Everything was fine with the alternator. Will follow above and let you guys know what I find out. REALLY appreciate your knowledge and help. THANKS !!!!!!!!!!! :flag
