Alternater problem???
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Alternater problem???
I have never had any electrical problems with me 96, automatic, LT1. Yesterday when I started it I got the outline of a small battery illuminated on the DIC and the gauges say it is putting out only around 11.2 to 11.4 volts. The owner's manual says if you get this little battery symbol you have a "System Charging Problem". Should I consider this an alternator malfunction when I take it to the shop? I think so. Don't most people rebuild alternators these days instead of replacing it? Does the 96 Corvette have anything special on the alternator to cause it to to be super expensive? I'm just looking for a little info before I go to the "Stealership".
Last edited by vetter31; Jun 8, 2008 at 08:49 AM. Reason: Corrected spelling of alternator
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,333
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Before you go to the stealership, look for loose connections, burnt fusible links and clean, tight battery connections. After that, try someone that offers free charging system tests.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 222
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From: Toronto(Don Mills) Ontario
I have never had any electrical problems with me 96, automatic, LT1. Yesterday when I started it I got the outline of a small battery illuminated on the DIC and the gauges say it is putting out only around 11.2 to 11.4 volts. The owner's manual says if you get this little battery symbol you have a "System Charging Problem". Should I consider this an alternator malfunction when I take it to the shop? I think so. Don't most people rebuild alternators these days instead of replacing it? Does the 96 Corvette have anything special on the alternator to cause it to to be super expensive? I'm just looking for a little info before I go to the "Stealership".
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Toronto(Don Mills) Ontario
6 years on a battery these days? Could still be basically a battery/age problem! Previous advice still applies - first thing, get battery and cables checked! Even if battery seems OK on a tester, at 6 years, it is due to be replaced. C4's are tough on batteries!
Le Mans Master
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
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i agree with all of the advice given to you here. also, changing the alternator yourself is extremely easy. it's all plug and play, pull bolts and put em back. perhaps a helpful forum member lives close to you. i would gladly do what your car requires for a pizza to snack on while we fix the problem. others may feel the same way. at the average of $100/hr i just would hate to see you spend what a decent pair of jeans costs in labor. the other question is which rebuild to use. NAPA's house brand & Cardone select {if available} are two from the auto parts chains worth looking at. rockauto.com has fair deals on the ac delco remans at $142, they also have a beckarnley that is all new for $169. i also agree with the battery comments. at 6 years any battery is long in the tooth. replace that sucker.