Charging system problem
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Punta Gorda Florida
Charging system problem
The gauge on my 85 reads between 12.5 and 13.0 volts. I have put on a new alternator, new battery and new belt. No change. Is there any other means to control the charging output that I have overlooked?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Charging system problem (foxfire9)
I'd first check to see if your gauge is accurate: Using VOM check the battery charge, should be 12.5 volts , then check the Alternator output to the battery, with engine running alt output should be 14 - 14.3 volts..
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe Tx
Re: Charging system problem (vinnies87)
I just had a similar problem, 9.3 volts when the engine died. Replaced the alternator, battery AND THE POSITIVE CABLE. The corrosion underneath the rubber covering at the positive terminal (impossible to see without removing) was causing a terrible connection and heating up the cable. Now I see 13.5-14.0 volts all the time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 871
Likes: 1
From: Westland MI.
Re: Charging system problem (foxfire9)
I just checked mine the other day also. Shows 12.9-13.5 driving around on the indicator. Hooked up the Fluke to the alternator, and showed about .3-.4 volts higher than the indicator. So actually I have 13.4- 13.9vdc output. Unfortuneately the manual says to change the cluster for inacurate readings, so I can live with it.
Does your car have hard starting? Long crank times? That might be a battery cable problem also. Most likely just an inacurate indicator.
Does your car have hard starting? Long crank times? That might be a battery cable problem also. Most likely just an inacurate indicator.
