Found Problem Not Optima Battery
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 12
From: Ocala, Florida
Found Problem Not Optima Battery
My altenator is BAD putting out 15v with a 12v draw KILLED two Optima Batteries Auto Zone Replaced both of them. Auto Zone is very reputable. Thanks for all the response on the forum JAY
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I don't remember your thread. Did anyone suggest your alternator was bad or was the OPTIMA simply condemned as usual? Good that AUTOZONE took care of you.
Never mind, I found the thread. You should post this there so people know the truth...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...batteries.html
Never mind, I found the thread. You should post this there so people know the truth...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...batteries.html
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If the alternator is putting out 15 vdc, then the regulator inside of it has failed. I'm assuming you replaced it and all was well again, but if not, know that the PCM controls the charging.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
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I don't see how the voltage that the alternator is putting out could cause harm to the battery. That voltage is what runs the car, the battery doesn't see it. Do you remember by chance how many amps the alternator was putting out??? That's going to be a big indicator. What was the diode condition??? AutoZone guy should have told you that stuff too.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Too much voltage will cook the battery since it wasn't designed to handle that much. Typically the alternator should put out between 13.8 and 14.1 is the nominal
