popshumphrey

I began having issues with voltage in July on a 97 with 40k miles. No codes kicked out just lower voltage. My voltage had dropped to 12.9 to 13.4. The battery was changed. The car always starts. Noticed that the problem did not improve. What seems to happen is that in the cold weather and when it is cold, the voltage will show 13.8 to 14.0 which seems acceptable. When the temp outside heats up the voltage drops to 13.2. I wondered about the ignition switch but before I do, I am wondering if it is a bad alternator. It shows 14.0 on the volt meter when cold. I have not done a volt meter when it is hot. Before I change out the ignition switch, which seems fairly difficult, could it be a bad alternator that looses strength when it gets hot. When hot it is 13.2 on the dic. When cold it is 14.0 on the dic. Voltmeter shows 14.0 at the battery posts when cold. Any suggestions?

73Corvette

I believe most Auto stores can load test your alternator... if it is bad, get it refurbished...don't just go get a replacement from Pep Boys... can be a bad deal.

popshumphrey

I had auto zone test it and it tested good. I took it for a drive and the dic read 3.4 but at the posts on the battery the volt meter read 14.2. Apparently it is not the alternator. I am working through the various grounds.

73Corvette

The dash gauges are downstream of the ignition switch and therefore the readings you see are often significantly lower than those at the battery. That is because the C5 ignition switch is well known for pitted and carbon covered contacts inside the switch as the years wear on.

popshumphrey

So I guess you are suggesting that I do change the ignition switch and go on about my business. It simply seems like a bigger job than I was wanting to do in a leisurely morning. Thanks for your responses.

73Corvette

Here is another option, sorry about the leisurely morning... dang C5's


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ch-repair.html

popshumphrey

Yeah I saw that but I still have to get to the switch. I was just hoping I did not have to take the car apart.

73Corvette

I would also wait for a second opinion from someone like 8vette7... someone will jump in...

neutron82

also check the connections at your starter to make sure they are tight and check for any corroded wires at the battery, alternator, and starter... there is also a fusible link from the alternator to the starter

sirdano

Wonder if electrical cleaner (MAF cleaner ) would clean the ingnition switch?

popshumphrey

Today it is still showing 13.4 on the DIC. I had the alternator and the battery rechecked and they showed good. The alternator is showing 14.2 and the battery is showing full charge at 12.9. I have checked all the connections, cleaned them where it seemed appropriate. I am at the point where I will get to the ignition switch this weekend and check it. I believe that this is the next step. Do you guys concur?

73Corvette

I concur... good luck with your repairs

popshumphrey

I read some of the other posts where they got a little edgy on this issue. I thank you and Bill and your gentle hand with a novice that does not mind getting his hands dirty. It may not be a problem at all, so its repair may be more hobby oriented. The car is running and starting fine. So, I am not too concerned if it maintains mid 13's on the DIC. But I want 13.8 like it used to be. I drove in west Texas in dust storm and it all began then. Dust sucks.

73Corvette

The reality is it's charging good, the battery is good, you just have a discrepancy because of a voltage drop at the switch to your DIC...
As long as your aware of it and it doesn't bug you too much... it's all good. YES dust does suck... we have our share here in Northwest Oklahoma. Take your time and let us know how your repair goes...

lionelhutz

If you have a voltmeter then set it to DC voltage and put the leads on any continuously powered fuse (Fuse 50, 52, 25 etc) and Fuse 19 which is the ignition switched fuse feeding the instrument cluster. This measures the voltage drop across the ignition switch and it should be very close to 0V.

You can also check from a ground source to the fuses to see what the voltage is.

reath1

Is the car an A4 or M6?

NorthEnco

Changing the switch should take you an hour tops if you've never done it before and have to reference do it your self instructions step by step.
Once you've done it, it's a 1/2 hour job..

You would be amazed at the things that a new 100 dollar switch will fix on these c5's.

Trust me I've been there done that..

Bob

popshumphrey

Bob - you are encouraging and I will be doing a step by step. "take screw A and turn to the left" kind of stuff. I have the switch in my possession and will do so on Friday. "Take switch out of box. Retain box to smash later" Do you know of picture diagrams for this task? Thanks Bob

Pops ..

NorthEnco

If you search C5 ignition switch replacement you'll find step by step with pictures, that's what I did the first time.
Trust me it's not hard, just remember is only a car it will not break if you look at it funny...
Bob

popshumphrey

It is an A4