Alternator issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Clermont Florida
Alternator issue
I am having an issue that, I think, I have narrowed down to being an alternator problem. From what I can tell, it seems to be heat related as well. When the car is cool (relatively), the output is bang on 14.4 volts. Once it warms up the output of the alternator drops and it starts relying on the battery to keep it going. Once it cools off again, it seems to go back to normal output. I would like to avoid buying a new alternator, as I am not 100% sure that is the issue. Does anyone know if there is a rebuild kit made for the alternators on a 2009 MT? A rebuild kit would be much cheaper than a new alternator and if it doesn't work, then I'm only out a small amount of money and time.
On a side note, I have had the alternator tested (it was cold at the time) as well as the battery; both came out as "Good"
Thanks for any suggestions.
On a side note, I have had the alternator tested (it was cold at the time) as well as the battery; both came out as "Good"
Thanks for any suggestions.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Was the battery load tested? If not, you probably don't really know it's status. Most auto parts store can do this for you. Also have you checked all connections to make sure they are tight and corrosion free. I would think you are more likely to have a battery problem than an alternator problem.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Clermont Florida
Was the battery load tested? If not, you probably don't really know it's status. Most auto parts store can do this for you. Also have you checked all connections to make sure they are tight and corrosion free. I would think you are more likely to have a battery problem than an alternator problem.
1. Removed the battery (3 days old) from my wife's SUV
2. Removed the battery from the Corvette
3. Put the Corvette battery in the SUV
4. Put the SUV battery in the corvette
SUV started and ran with no issues all the way home. Corvette ran with the voltage showing 11.8 to 11.9 all the way home (voltage of battery). At one point, the voltage jumped to 14.4 but then dropped again after 3 miles at that voltage.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
When you replace the positive terminal connection did you check the other end of the cable at the starter. That connection has frequently caused problems that others have reported. Could be loose or corroded there.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Clermont Florida
I have not checked that, I will look as soon as I get home. Thanks.
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