Car dies when I use electrical equipment

[LukeZ]

hey all, I didn't put this in the electrical section on purpose because I wanted more people to see it cuz I need some help.

1986 SS El camino, 305 4 speed.

So starting today after I got off work, something went wrong in my car. I stated it up and let it idle down for 3mins like usual, then I plugged my phone charger into my cigarette lighter because my phone was about to die, and then my car died for a sec and came back. I had to reset my radio and all that stuff. I pulled it out right away, then tired again and the same thing happened. I turned my lights on, then the same thing happened. I put it in drive and it died completely. I stated it back up, no problem, put it in drive and it was fine, and drive home. When I got home, I tried turning my lights and high beams on, and it was unpredictable when it would make my engine skip or when it would just be fine. It was 50/50.

I asked my dad because he's an electrician, and he said it might be a grounding problem. I did some research online and a lot of people say it might be the voltage regulator on my alternator? I'm not too keen on any of this, so any help on how to just replace this stuff would be very helpful. Is a coltahe regulator a separate part on the alternator that can be replaced, or is he whole thing possibly bad? Thanks guys.

LZ

 

[HAFROD]

If you have a volt meter or multi meter, hook it to battery posts and prop it up to see through the windshield and plug in your charger and turn on your headlights. See if the voltage drops badly. I am stumped but this could tell us something

 

[Texas82GP]

Sounds like the alternator isn't putting out enough voltage. Have it tested. Yes the regulator is replaceable. Its internal. For the money, just get a fresh alternator if yours checks bad.

 

[SoFloG]

Alternator would be first bet. Check all your charging cables, especially your battery terminals. Make sure no loose connections. Check your battery to fender ground, starter connection, engine ground, charging lead from battery to alt, etc.

 

[SoFloG]

Also check your fuse box under dash.

 

[LukeZ]

I used a voltmeter on the battery when using my headlights, but the voltage didn't drop. I'll have to run by an auto parts store to see if they can check my alternator. Thanks guys

 

[Texas82GP]

What was the voltage? Should have been close to 14.

 

[pontiacgp]

I don;t think it's the alternator. If the alternator was not working and by simply plugging something in the lighter that killed the engine and cleared the memory on the radio that would mean a real dead battery but you were able to start the car after that. I'm thinking there is a short

 

[88hurstolds]

Had that issue once with it dying, wound up being a short.
If your column tilt is lose you may have frayed wires in the column.

 

[Flyers9928]

Also check your belts, if the are loose it may not spin fast enough.