Is it the Alternator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 3
From: Front Royal Va
Is it the Alternator
Last night my 99 vert with 15k on it started acting up. There seemed to be some fluctuation in the amperage. The headlights flickered then everything seemed to be fine. When I looked at the gauges the battery seems to be staying right at 14 but when I go to the DIC the battery volts fluctuate between 13.7 - 14.3 and are constantly changing up and down. Is this the alternator or loose connection somewhere or am I just being paranoid. I have only had the car for about 2 months and this is the first time I really noticed it. I hadn't really paid attention to the battery volts before as everything seemed to be fine. Thanks for the input.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
check your ground points. It seem like most electrical issues originate there. The volt meter will fluctuate normally. Mine cycles from 13+ to 14+. How old is the battery? Check to make sure it has not started to leak. If in doubt mix some baking soda and water and pour it around to see if it bubble when in contact with acid. Otherwise it sound fine.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Moncks Corner South Carolina
I bought my 99 in November 03. It did the same thing. Still had the original Delco battery. I changed it out with an Optima Red Top and the lights do not flicker as much. Still get the occasional voltage drop like you are talking about. I think many C5s experience this. My headlighs still dim every now and then. I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe check the battery and if it's the GM Delco, get a new battery. Optima Red Top is a good one. Got mine from a local auto parts store.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 3
From: Front Royal Va
thanks for all the information people like you guys make it great
For someone who got their first vette like me the forum members have saved me money and headaches. Thanks to everyone who contributes.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by gymrat
Last night my 99 vert with 15k on it started acting up. There seemed to be some fluctuation in the amperage. The headlights flickered then everything seemed to be fine. When I looked at the gauges the battery seems to be staying right at 14 but when I go to the DIC the battery volts fluctuate between 13.7 - 14.3 and are constantly changing up and down. Is this the alternator or loose connection somewhere or am I just being paranoid. I have only had the car for about 2 months and this is the first time I really noticed it. I hadn't really paid attention to the battery volts before as everything seemed to be fine. Thanks for the input.
