Alright guys wanted to see if anybody can point me in the right direction, trying to narrow down my issues before I start spending money. I have a 2000 C5 auto corvette, currently has an A&A supercharger just to mention. I went for a drive yesterday and heard a LOUD whining noise coming from the engine bay. When I got home I opened the hood to check and it was obvious the whining was coming from the alternator, also noticed smoke coming from inside the alternator. I figured the alternator was toast and decided to check the next day what I could since it was late at night. Well today I checked fuses, all good. Terminals, all good. Checked for codes and no codes are showing up after reseting them.. Yesterday I was able to start the car but today it does not. With the key in the igniton everything turns on just fine, no dim lights or anything, music plays etc. When I crank it however it does not turn over. The battery voltage with the igniton on is reading 11.8 which does seem low for a vette. I went ahead and disconnected the battery for 10 mins and reconnected it with no luck.. What do you guys think could be the culprit? Just a bad alternator? This happened all of a sudden and not sure what could've caused the issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

What do you mean the battery "seems" to be fine? If it's 11.8V then it's not good and it's not going to start the engine. It may also be another piece of evidence that you're alternator is toast. Once the magic smoke comes out of an electrical device you can't put it back in!

 

I agree 11.8v is not good, but OP should still hear it try to crank, or hear a click. If alternator was smoking, that is definitely not good. Wish I could offer more advice. One thing I would do is disconnect battery, remove the alternator, and take alternator to a qualified shop or parts store that offers alternator testing. Also check the battery terminals at the other end, namely the positive cable at the starter, and negative cable at the block.. Good luck

 

Thanks for the reply! i checked the car again and it does indeed try to crank, then follows with multiple clicks... sounds like battery but ill have to check after work and buy a voltage meter to actually read the voltage accurately. Not sure if the smoke from the alternator is maybe is related to the battery? Or alternator is indeed just fried. Once I get the volt meter ill check both again

 

smoke is definitely not good which is why I freaked out a bit, think the smoke from the alternator can be battery related? I'm gonna buy a voltage meter after work and check both again

 

You mentioned A&A supercharger so i have a question.......Do you hear the fuel pump prime?? You may or may not have a ractronix hot wire kit connected directly to the alt. It has a fuse (located near the alt) so if you do not hear a pump you can check this fuse. Just a thought.....Secondly, 11.8 should not start a car as mentioned....Is the battery 11.8 if you just check it with a meter across the pos and neg or are you reading 11.8 on the cluster display?? 11.8 at the battery itself is a dead battery, but you did mention it cranks which is why I asked

 

Pull your alternator have it tested, also remove your battery have it load tested, your alternator has probably failed, battery has been drawn down by alternator not charging.

 

I do not have the racetronix hot wire kit, however, I do have the kenne bell boost a pump that comes with the A&A kit and also have a 450 walbro fuel pump... but I do hear the fuel pump prime, which is why I ruled that out. not sure though if maybe that has anything to do with it. And I read 11.8 on the display, which is why I will be getting a volt meter to accurately test the battery along with the alternator. When I got home and checked the problem the car was on, I turned it off and turned it back on. Next day after work attempted to start it again and it did not start up.. tries to turn over but doesn't start and follows up with continues clicking

 

That is what i am assuming at this point. Going to definitely get them both tested.