Went to advanced auto this morning to see if they could check my alternator. Was at about 14.3 volts when the car was running normally, then I turned my high beams on and it shot down to 11.5v, so I'm pretty sure the alternator crapped out. Ordered a new 78amp alternator for like $80, so it'll be on my car within the next few days. Hopefully I dont have any shorts or grounding issues along with the alternator. I'll have to check the steering column for frayed wires; I never thought to check there, so thanks 88hurst. I'll check my belts too. ill try to remember to come back and post if there's another problem with shorting, so that way if anyone else has the problem in the future then they can look here for help. Thanks guys
Car dies when I use electrical equipment
- Thread starter LukeZ
- Start date
- Status
While I don't want to seem too pessimistic, I'm gonna bet the new alternator doesn't fix your problem. If you are seeing higher than battery voltage (~12 V) at any time, the alternator is likely working.
My best guess since it seems you can trigger the same behavior with multiple different actions is that it has something to do with the main power distribution from the alternator.
My best guess since it seems you can trigger the same behavior with multiple different actions is that it has something to do with the main power distribution from the alternator.
Ok, so the alternators been replaced. I tried to turn on my lights ugly after I finished the job to see if the car would die, and just my luck, it did. That was a few days ago. Hasn't done it since then, but the other day when I was driving on the highway, my radio (just my radio, nothing else) died for a split second like 2 or 3 times. Not sure if that's related or not, but the car hasn't died when using the radio, cigarette lighter, lights, etc... So maybe it's fixed? Don't want to jinx myself and say it is lmao. I have a new problem tho that started after I changed the alternator, but I don't see how it could be related. I think the car might just be going to crap because it's so old and all the stock parts are finally going.
When I put my car in park after driving it, the key won't turn back all the way and I can't pull it out. I have to hold the brake (while the car is off, of course), put it in reverse or neutral or something, then switch it back to park, then the key will turn back all the way and I can remove it. Not sure what that's all about.
When I put my car in park after driving it, the key won't turn back all the way and I can't pull it out. I have to hold the brake (while the car is off, of course), put it in reverse or neutral or something, then switch it back to park, then the key will turn back all the way and I can remove it. Not sure what that's all about.
If the car died after changing the alternator and the radio lost power a few times then the problem is still there
I figured. Not quite sure where to look though. Checked all the wires in the dash and all the wires that run under the car to my tailights and stuff, but I didn't find anything wrong. Everything going through the firewall is good as well. I assume the problem is somewhere in the engine bay, but I drive this car to work every day, so it's a little hard to get work done on it. The wires directly from the alternator look ok, but I can only see so far before the wires are all tucked or hidden.
With the key turned as far as it can go without starting the car, here service engine light and choke light come on. I guess that's normal??
Attachments
- Status
Similar threads
