Voltage question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore Maryland
Voltage question
I had an 02 for about 6 months. Since I`ve had it I noticed the headlights and radio dim when using the turn signal. Also dims when I hit the brakes. Sometimes when I sneeze or blink. I was watching the volts while driving today. was fluctuating everywhere between 12.8 and 14.2. Is this normal? What else could the problem be? Thanks again
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,109
Likes: 4,137
From: Kannapolis NC
I know of an 03 Z06 with the same symptoms. His voltage constantly varied. sometimes it would even go to 15 volts and down to 10.5.It turned out to be the starter connection that comes from the battery. The red wire that attaches to the starter. The nut was loose, but when tightened it turned out that the post in the starter was burned and loose and the starter had to be replaced. This was after the dealer replaced the battery and the alternator with no fix. If you start to tighten the nut on the starter, disconnect the battery terminal first, it's tight in there around the exhaust and you can create a large arc if the wrench touches the nut and any metal at the same time. Take hold of the red wire and give it a tug while watching the nut on the starter post and tell me what happens.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
One other tip, don't wear a ring or watch while working on the battery or any electrical connections. I know of a person who almost lost a finger when the wrench he was using was touching his ring finger and shorted the battery.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,109
Likes: 4,137
From: Kannapolis NC
I did that in 68 removing the battery from my 65 "to be safe" while working on the wiring. The wrench melted a spot on my class ring that's still there. The burn ring around my finger has long since healed.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 7
From: Bucks County Pa
Could be dirty connections or a bad weak battery
I had an 02 for about 6 months. Since I`ve had it I noticed the headlights and radio dim when using the turn signal. Also dims when I hit the brakes. Sometimes when I sneeze or blink. I was watching the volts while driving today. was fluctuating everywhere between 12.8 and 14.2. Is this normal? What else could the problem be? Thanks again
Good Luck
Last edited by bestvettever; Apr 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 7
From: Bucks County Pa
Maybe
Good Luck
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
