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Electrical problems after clutch swap

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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 12:49 AM
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Default Electrical problems after clutch swap

Well, i just had my clutch swapped, again. The same shop has done this 3 times now. It's a reputable shop/sponsor.

On the way home, i got CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT, service vehicle soon, and P1637 H C. The car died 4 times on the way home.

I am charging the battery right now even though it's almost brand new... but are there any quick places to check for a fix?

2004 z06
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
Well, i just had my clutch swapped, again. The same shop has done this 3 times now. It's a reputable shop/sponsor.

On the way home, i got CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT, service vehicle soon, and P1637 H C. The car died 4 times on the way home.

I am charging the battery right now even though it's almost brand new... but are there any quick places to check for a fix?

2004 z06
Other than checking the generator connector, I'd be using the service manual, and a DMM, the troubleshooting is pretty short and sweet.
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Other than checking the generator connector, I'd be using the service manual, and a DMM, the troubleshooting is pretty short and sweet.
DMM = digital multi-meter?
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
DMM = digital multi-meter?
Exactly.
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 02:50 PM
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The big red wire on the back of the alternator (BATT TERMINAL) goes to the STARTER SOLENOID,, and from there to the POSITIVE battery terminal. MAKE SURE that the wiring at the starter solenoid is clean and tight.

Measure DCV between the positive battery terminal to the BATT terminal on the back of the alternator. The reading should theoretically be ZERO. The more voltage you see the worse the connection (VOLTAGE DROP) is. Your goal is zero. Check that out before you go crazy replacing stuff. Your reading between the two points so place the meter leads on those two points.

BC

BC

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Aug 15, 2009 at 10:45 PM.
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
The big red wire on the back of the alternator (BATT TERMINAL) goes to the STARTER SOLENOID,, and from there to the POSITIVE battery terminal. MAKE SURE that the wiring at the starter solenoid is clean and tight.

Measure DCV between the positive battery terminal to the BATT terminal on the back of the alternator. The reading should threoreticaly be ZERO. The more voltage you see the worse the connection (VOLTAGE DROP) is. Your goal is zero. Check that out before you go crazy replacing stuff. Your reading between the two points so place the meter leads on those two points.

BC

BC
Right befefore you posted this, i noticed that one of the wires on the back of the starter was roasted, and showing open wire. Do you think I should just replace the entire wire, or splice in a new piece.
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
Right befefore you posted this, i noticed that one of the wires on the back of the starter was roasted, and showing open wire. Do you think I should just replace the entire wire, or splice in a new piece.
Which wire? What color is it? Before replacing, you need to determine the reason why is fried. Is the terminal loose...resulting in a high resistance connection..and subsequently, heat? Direct short? etc.
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 07:30 PM
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100% Correct! Heres a pic of the starter with wires:



The wires just don't normally burn up. If it were me,,,,I would replace the wire. There not that long. Its got to supply full alternator current to the battery. Just fix it correctly and you wont/shouldn't get the charging system fault. Thats what id causing it.

BC
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 08:22 PM
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As mentioned already, a lose wire will essentially turn itself into a small heater circuit, heating up to the point that it cooks the wire and anything else with it. Dirty or corroded connections do the same thing.
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 04:23 PM
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In that pic up there, it's the orangeish wire right under the red wire. The wire had some damage from rubbing against the block I guess. The insulation was removed in some areas, and the core seemed to be "broken" at one spot. I attached a new piece of 8 gauge wire to it, tightened it back up.

I swore it would fix the problem but it didn't.

I've traced the alt-battery and battery-starter wire and they were fine.
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
In that pic up there, it's the orangeish wire right under the red wire. The wire had some damage from rubbing against the block I guess. The insulation was removed in some areas, and the core seemed to be "broken" at one spot. I attached a new piece of 8 gauge wire to it, tightened it back up.

I swore it would fix the problem but it didn't.

I've traced the alt-battery and battery-starter wire and they were fine.
How did you attach the repair wire???

What is the voltage on the BATT terminal on the rear of the alternator with the engine OFF and when the engine is ON??



Please post the values.

What do the other wires on the starter look like?

Is there battery voltage on the red wire PIN D in the connector on the alternator???

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Aug 15, 2009 at 05:05 PM.
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
How did you attach the repair wire???

What is the voltage on the BATT terminal on the rear of the alternator with the engine OFF and when the engine is ON??

Please post the values.

What do the other wires on the starter look like?

Is there battery voltage on the red wire PIN D in the connector on the alternator???
I really appreciate the help. I don't have a multimeter, but I will pick one up in the morning.

Also, something strange- I had a low oil light last week. I added some oil (it was a little low), then today I changed it. When i started it up earlier, i had a low oil light, but full oil. It keeps flashing it at me, even though it's not low.

I used a female-female butt connector and also soldered the wires. Wrapped in all-weather electrical tape and used a heat sleeve on it.

The wires on the starter all look fine now that i've fixed that one.
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 10:31 PM
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Also, it's not letting me get into reverse and idling low ( 500 and under with AC on)
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
Also, it's not letting me get into reverse and idling low ( 500 and under with AC on)
Curious, have you checked minifuse#19 in the underhood fuse box?
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 11:17 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Curious, have you checked minifuse#19 in the underhood fuse box?
Just checked, it was fine
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Old Aug 15, 2009 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
Just checked, it was fine
Have you checked to see if they forgot to plug in the reverse lockout solenoid?
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 12:30 AM
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The solenoid was left unplugged, so that problem is now fixed, thanks.

Now on for this p1637
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 01:13 AM
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Found something else: The sensor that connects right where the oil filter screws in, has burn marks on the wires and some of the core is showing on both wires.

Is this the oil level sensor? this will fix my "low oil" light i bet. I hope i can fix it without removing the header.
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by SiL3NtXWS6
Found something else: The sensor that connects right where the oil filter screws in, has burn marks on the wires and some of the core is showing on both wires.

Is this the oil level sensor? this will fix my "low oil" light i bet. I hope i can fix it without removing the header.
That is the oil temp sensor, the oil level is on the right side rear. Unfortunately, not that you have found something disconnected, one cannot not help but wonder what else was missed. Better give everything a good visual inspection.
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 09:07 AM
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Did you ever perform the troubleshooting procedure in the service manual for the P1637 code yet?
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