battery light and low voltage
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Co
battery light and low voltage
The battery light on my 89 came on recently and the voltage display reads about 11.5 comparted to normally 13.8. Is thius the battery in early stages of failing or the alternator gone out or other problem. Any ideas are appreciated. :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 0
From: 20 forward gears to shift through in MD
Re: battery light and low voltage (89convt)
You can put an external charger on the battery and measure the voltage using a volt meter. If it climbs up to 13.2 V or so, the problem is not likely the battery. If it stays at 11.5 or so after charging for a while, it is likely the battery.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Re: battery light and low voltage (89convt)
Alternator problems on these cars??? Ask Scorp - I think he's on his 4th one. :boxing: I had mine replaced @ 65K miles. Bearings started to sing to me. Guys have talked about buying ones that are 'guaranteed for life' and found that there's a catch. Do your homework before buying one. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Re: battery light and low voltage (86VetteBill)
Yeah, trust me, if you want a QUALITY Alternator, go with an East Coast Auto Electric High Amp 140amp Alternator. $250 but WELM worth it! (lasted me 5 years!)
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: battery light and low voltage (89convt)
The battery light comes on when the alternator is not charging. 11.5 volts is an indication that the battery is in a discharged state. Some auto parts places will test your alternator if you bring it in. I think your alternator isn't working. Measure the volts on the large wire on the alternator with the engine running. It should be 14.3 cold, or 13.3 hot. If it measures the same as the battery and below 13.3v, then the alternator is dead. If the alternator is 14v and the battery is much lower, 13 or lower, then the fusible link on the large alternator wire is open and needs to be replaced.
[Modified by jfb, 9:03 PM 6/10/2002]
[Modified by jfb, 9:03 PM 6/10/2002]
