alternator/battery problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Irmo, S.C
alternator/battery problem
This problem is actually on my Maxima, not the vette, but I figured someone here could help. The battery has been dying on us every now and then. I originally assumed it was the alternator and went and picked one up (haven't installed it yet). Today the battery died again and we had to jump start it. But after 20 minutes of driving, the car started fine....which leads me to believe the alternator is doing it's job. I put a voltmeter on the battery and I get 12.2X volts with the car off, and about 12.3 with it running. Stabbing the gas will cause the volts to go up to about 12.5, but no higher. Based on that info, can anyone tell me anything that might help?
Thx,
Jason
Thx,
Jason
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: alternator/battery problem (97Supra)
Its tough to say without doing more checking,but usually if the alternator is draining the battery,youll also need a new battery.If you had to charge it up a few times,consider it dead.It wont hold a charge anymore.
Also,Its always suggested to have a good battery or full charged battery when replacing the alternator.
If the alt. seems to be doing its job,replace the bad battery with a new one or youll keep having to jump start or charge it again later.
However,your voltage you showed seems low.
Most cars should be in the 13-14 volts range when running and fully charged.
:)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Irmo, S.C
Re: alternator/battery problem (Bill's86Coupe)
Thanks for responding so fast. However I forgot to mention that when this started happening the battery was the first thing I replaced. I thought that had fixed it, but the same thing started happening again two weeks later.
Thx,
Jason
Thx,
Jason
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: alternator/battery problem (97Supra)
Charging voltage seems very low. I think your alternator has seen better days. It should be above 13V at 1500 to 2000 rpm.
Put a good charge on the battery (long slow charge for over 24 hours) and install that new alternator.
Put a good charge on the battery (long slow charge for over 24 hours) and install that new alternator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: alternator/battery problem (97Supra)
Ive had to recently replace one too. Definitely sounds like a weak alt killing your batteries. Replace the alt, charge the battery and you should be good to go unless your new battery is toast too.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: alternator/battery problem (97Supra)
Your alternator is definetely on strike! Engine running, the battery voltage should be 14.7 volts cold and no lower than 13.2 volts hot. Install the alternator and charge up the battery with a charger. It is hard on alternators to fully charge a discharged battery.
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