elec short shutting down Vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Angleton Tx
elec short shutting down Vette
I've had a bad problem with my 1990 Vette. The motor runs fine but
after a few minutes the alternator switches and puts out 20V shutting down the car. I have had two different mechanics look into this both costing be a small fortune. Aside form the guage fuse or grounding which both seem to be good what else can associated with this?
Please help!
I can also be reached at prodadiv@yahoo.com
thx
Pete
after a few minutes the alternator switches and puts out 20V shutting down the car. I have had two different mechanics look into this both costing be a small fortune. Aside form the guage fuse or grounding which both seem to be good what else can associated with this?
Please help!
I can also be reached at prodadiv@yahoo.com
thx
Pete
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If that is really happening, your voltage regulator in the alternator is defective and it can be replaced or you can just replace the alternator with a rebuilt one. 20 volts will burn out the MOV (metal oxide varistor) that protects the switching supply on one of the dash cluster boards and smoke will come out of the dash.
I question that 20 volts across the battery really occurs because you would also be complaing about burned out everything electrical, radio, headlights, dash lights, etc.
I question that 20 volts across the battery really occurs because you would also be complaing about burned out everything electrical, radio, headlights, dash lights, etc.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Angleton Tx
thanks for your input. The alternator has been replaced twice for obvious reasons. The ECM senses the spike and shuts the car down. This seems to be a protection that Vettes have.
I think this shut down occurs out side of the 9-16 volt limit.
I think this shut down occurs out side of the 9-16 volt limit.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
There's two fusible links on the car, if one goes it won't charge, if the other goes it over charges like you described. Take a look and see what condition they are in.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Angleton Tx
Originally Posted by BrianCunningham
There's two fusible links on the car, if one goes it won't charge, if the other goes it over charges like you described. Take a look and see what condition they are in.
one of the fusible links are missing under the brake booster.
Where are the fusible links located that will do what you are
refering to?
This may help!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 868
Likes: 5
behind the battery on your 90 there will be a distribution block,that has a bunch of wires attached to the top of it.Those are the fuse links,they look like a normal wire with a bulge in them.
Check them out very well,I had a similar problem with my 90 I found the bad one by slighty pulling on it it came apart in my hand replaced it and all is well.
Good luck keep us posted
Jason
Check them out very well,I had a similar problem with my 90 I found the bad one by slighty pulling on it it came apart in my hand replaced it and all is well.
Good luck keep us posted
Jason
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by BrianCunningham
There's two fusible links on the car, if one goes it won't charge, if the other goes it over charges like you described. Take a look and see what condition they are in.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Originally Posted by prodadiv
do you know what the amperage rating is on the fusible links?
again thanks!
again thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 265
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From: Angleton Tx
Originally Posted by BrianCunningham
It varies for year to year. You need to get the correct one, since your playing with fire literally! There's been some forum members that have lost thier cars to sudden engine compart fires. That link is right next to the battery. Make sure it's tucked up away from it. I've had mine melt into the battery they can get that hot.
I'm about to give up on this car! The fusible links seem to be good and two mechanics wanted a blank check in order to probe around with no guarantees. This has already cost me $1150.00