Alternator HELP !

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Mar 22, 2014 | 07:56 PM

gkzr1

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Drifting

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Alternator HELP !

My car has been tucked away pretty much all winter. I went to drive it the other day and I'm getting a service charging system message on the dash and the car has trouble starting. Voltage drops the longer it runs. Took to dealer and alternator replaced. Still nothing.

I don't know what caused it so I'll mention a couple things that I'm thinking. Could it possibly be the battery? It wouldn't really make sense but anything is possible.

I changed spark plugs from a 7 to an 8.

I tried wiring my wideband directly to the alternator power output because I thought it was a switched power source. So the car idled while running the wideband directly off the alternator for a few minutes but then a took it back off because its always hot and I didn't know. Could that have been what caused this to start? I don't know. Is there a fuse I could have popped or something?

Mar 22, 2014 | 08:52 PM

timmyZ06

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2010

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From: montreal quebec

I would start at the beginning, which is your battery. A faulty battery can cause all kind of weird issues. Worse case, just return it to the store. Your wideband needs a power source that will be turned off with the ignition, it will drain your battery. Then take a volt meter to measure the output at the alternator bornes. I would do this and most likely solve your issue.

Mar 24, 2014 | 10:52 PM

gkzr1

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Drifting

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Does anyone have a wiring schematic for the zr1 charging system that they can post?

Thanks

Mar 25, 2014 | 11:29 PM

Gearhead Jim

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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago

St. Jude Donor '13

Several people have confirmed that going from OEM spark plugs to a different brand, caused intermittant alternator problems. But I'm not sure what changing "from a 7 to an 8" means.

Best of luck to you, and to your wallet.

Mar 26, 2014 | 06:55 AM

filmjay

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Las Vegas NV

St. Jude Donor '10

If a new alternator, and still dropping volts, have the battery checked. If battery is good, it's probably the starter solenoid. The starters and voltage regulators/alternators in the C6's kinda suck...having been through 3 of each, I can say that. LOL!

Mar 27, 2014 | 12:59 AM

BLOWNBLUEZ06@RKT Performance

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Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Forney TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkzr1

Does anyone have a wiring schematic for the zr1 charging system that they can post?

Thanks

Do you own a multimeter? The way the alternator is wired is the battery goes to the starter and from the starter, it goes through a fusible link to the alternator. Start the car and measure the voltage at the back of the alternator. It should be over 14VDC. If it's not, your alternator isn't getting told to come on or has failed. If it is then the fusible link or starter solenoid connection is a likely culprit.
Schematic attached.
If the voltage is low, you more than likely have a loss in continuity between the ECM and the 2-pin plug on the alternator or a defective alternator.

Attached Images