another electrical problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville AL
another electrical problem
I have an 88 vert that I just bought, although I haven't taken possession of yet. My brother has had it for a couple of months. It had a bad battery when I bought it, so he put a new one in for me. Ran great for a few weeks (a few short trips to the store,etc.) but now the new battery is dead. Nothing works at all. Sounds like an alternator, but since the car is currently 1100 miles from my driveway, I can't really confirm it.
Does it sound like an alternator problem to you?
Thanks
Does it sound like an alternator problem to you?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
battery
Do you have a battery charger to charge the battery? Your dash guage should show you what the output of your alternator is. Don't know what you should normally see, but my 96 seems always to show 14.5 when I select the function. My 85 will show something similiar. The voltage rate is managed by the voltage regulator inside the alternator. A new fully charged battery will provide enough electrical power to drive a car without the alternator working but not for long, it all depends on how much drain on the battery like air conditioning on, stereo on, using the power windows, and the cooling fan/fans operating full time.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville AL
No, my brother does not have a batt charger. He's not really a car guy. Likes the vette well enough, especially since it's a vert.
I have an extra alternator that I may send out to him. I really think that's what it is.
I have an extra alternator that I may send out to him. I really think that's what it is.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Ontario
Not to steer you away from a possible charging problem - but if you have the sport seats there is a constant power supply to the switchs on the side bolsters. These switches get a lot of abuse from getting in and out plus they catch a lot of dirt. Eventually they can become non functional and short out. I had that problem on my 85 coupe and once I located the shorted switch I pulled the fuse until I replaced the switch - actually it is a breaker and it also controls the power door locks too.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
.....get a volt meter and measure the volage from the red wire at the back of the alternator to ground...there should be voltage there WITH THE ENGINE OFF.....then, even if you have to jump start the car to get it to run, take another voltage reading at the same place.....
...if you have no voltage at the first test with the car off, you may have a bad wire or blown inline fuse ink.........if you DON"T have at least +13vdc at the second test, the alternator could very well be bad......
...if you have no voltage at the first test with the car off, you may have a bad wire or blown inline fuse ink.........if you DON"T have at least +13vdc at the second test, the alternator could very well be bad......
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Ontario
Remember - my experience is with an 85 coupe so there could be differences, but there is a breaker (can't remember the amperage) - its a big silver coloured one in the fuse panel. When I pulled it to stop the current to the sport seats it also eliminated my power door locks. Things could be different in your case - but it might be worth checking.
