Alternator Problem?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Cotati CA
Alternator Problem?
On my '89 I saw the 'battery' light flicker on the dash display the other day. Got home fine, then checked the battery today (3 days later) and it was at 12.5 volts w/my multimeter. Started the car and got 14.6 volts on the multi. while running (dash display was showing 14.4).
Then I took it for a 10 mile drive and all was fine, shut it off for 15 min's and restarted it. Still no light, but after about a 1/2 mile I stopped at a red light and turned on the A/C and the running lights, the batt. light flickered on again. (the volts showed as low as 12.5 briefly on the display). It went out when I switched the A/C to econ. and switched off the lights. Turned on the A/C and run'g lights again and batt. light flickered on again .
Connections at the battery and alternator seem good. Is my alternator starting to go? (the batt. light came on the last time it went)
Then I took it for a 10 mile drive and all was fine, shut it off for 15 min's and restarted it. Still no light, but after about a 1/2 mile I stopped at a red light and turned on the A/C and the running lights, the batt. light flickered on again. (the volts showed as low as 12.5 briefly on the display). It went out when I switched the A/C to econ. and switched off the lights. Turned on the A/C and run'g lights again and batt. light flickered on again .
Connections at the battery and alternator seem good. Is my alternator starting to go? (the batt. light came on the last time it went)
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The battery symbol light comes on when the alternator is not charging the battery. When you switch on a heavy load like the a/c, the voltage regulator in the alternator cannot instantly keep the alternator output at 14.7 volts (nominal), but there will be a short duration of low alternator output until the voltage regulator corrects for the heavy load. As long as your dash voltmeter does not fall below 13.0 volts, the alternator is supplying your electrical needs and is charging the battery. The flicker in the battery light is normal for a sudden increase in electrical load and you shouldn't be concerned.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
It wouldn't hurt to have the Alternator checked at a local Parts Store just to be sure! Would hate to see you get stranded. They will put a full load on it and be able to tell you if it will be in nedd of replacement. A budy of mine had one do this and it was only a matter of time before he had to replace his(got stranded you know, his is a '91 Vette L-98)
I hope this helps. Thanks Matt
I hope this helps. Thanks Matt
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Cotati CA
Originally Posted by madmatt9471
It wouldn't hurt to have the Alternator checked at a local Parts Store just to be sure! Would hate to see you get stranded. They will put a full load on it and be able to tell you if it will be in nedd of replacement. A budy of mine had one do this and it was only a matter of time before he had to replace his(got stranded you know, his is a '91 Vette L-98)
I hope this helps. Thanks Matt
I hope this helps. Thanks Matt
Last edited by V's Vette; May 30, 2006 at 11:12 PM.
