low charging at idle
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: barnegat new jersey
low charging at idle
Thanks in advance for any replies.The car is a 96 lt1 stock.When driving at nite with blower motor and ac on lights dim and directions blink slow 12.4 on gauage off idle all is fine. battery checks ok do you think a higher amp alt will help i found a 200 amp on line
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
No, you do not need a 200AMP alternator for your setup up. Have your alternator checked, check the connections at it and the battery too. I bet your alternator is on it last legs, also check for proper belt tension/belt condition. If it is slipping it would lack charging idle, but be ok at higher RPMS.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Unless you have too low idle rpm, your alternator should put out 14.7 volts cold, and this drops to 13.7 volts when it gets to its operating temperature. The dash voltmeter reads the voltage after the ignition switch contacts and reads 0.3 volts lower than the battery terminal voltage. 14.4 v cold, 13.4 volts hot. You have too low voltage indicating low idle rpm or an alternator that needs rebuilding.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: state of insanity
Just my 2 cents; do you have a sub and amp in the car. i have seen a lot of people do this. with the radio on the amp is pulling to much amperage at idle for the stock alt. to keep up. off idle ,higher rpm, everything is fine. just my 3 cents
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
No, you do not need a 200AMP alternator for your setup up. Have your alternator checked, check the connections at it and the battery too. I bet your alternator is on it last legs, also check for proper belt tension/belt condition. If it is slipping it would lack charging idle, but be ok at higher RPMS.
Check out your system.. With a 200 amp alternator you would have to go with larger wires or you could have problems..Your 105 amp is more then enough if working correctly...WW
