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TekRat
New User
Feb 24, 2006, 6:37 PM
Post #1 of 8
(1655 views)
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Near power failure
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well this is really hard to explain but im gonna try again anyway
i have a voltmeter on my car which seems to be reading a big problem. When i start the car most of the tim things are good to go, volts are at 14.4 approx and all the lights are nice and bright, now hold the brakes and put in drive, the voltmemer DROPS below 12 volts, sometimes as low as 10 approx, when im driving especially, itll go up and down but most of the time it holds itself down, i thought it was in the ignition system, so i changed out my coil packs, ignition control module, wires and plugs. THen that never solved the problem so i went and changed my alt which was bad but not the problem, changed the battery thought mayby it had an internal defect, went wire hunting couldnt SEE anything wrong but i may have missed something. I removed my power antenna but i cant remember whether it started that before or after, anyways im completely lost as to what to check next ive put in about 1000 in parts and nothing has fxed my problem. I drive a 1993 buick regal GS, 3.8L V6, Cruise, power everything (this is what makes it hard)
Can anyone put some suggestions, im taking a long trip in a week thats unavoidable, theres no way i can postpone, and ive spedn all this month trying to fix it.
THANKS!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 24, 2006, 7:31 PM
Post #2 of 8
(1650 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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Just a couple thoughts to check: If this only happens with the brakes held (brake lights would be on) then pull that fuse and see if the problem stops. If so you have to check all the sockets and the third brake light (less likely) for problems. Pull one bulb at a time and note changes. A bad socket may not show up even with bulb out. Try that with the ABS fuse if no results.
There is a failure rate to alternators and if you can keep the volts up with headlights on, high fan speed or a rear window defroster it's probably fine. Voltage will drop some but should never go below 12 and should come up with a raised idle.
I'm surprised that you are not blowing a fuse with that much of a voltage drop with brakes applied??
I hope you have the owner's manual to know what fuse covers what so you can look there for troubles. Hope you can find this before your trip, T
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TekRat
New User
Feb 24, 2006, 8:08 PM
Post #3 of 8
(1646 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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as i think i mentioned in the above post its not only when the brakes are one its almost all the time sometimes even when its in park.
The lights are always on they are daytime running lights. when the voltage drops all the lights go dim, except the cd player backlight, it used to happen to the stock player the leds went dim but not for the CD (it requires less power to operate)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 24, 2006, 8:46 PM
Post #4 of 8
(1643 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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Arggh! I just re-read the thread and still think you probably have an alternator problem new or not.!!
Day time running lights take a lot of power. If you are in trouble on the road pull the fuse and get to a safe place. Cars don't go as far with failures with the electric fuel pump also being a big drain.
Check all the connections, battery, cables to starter and engine. I really don't know what else to say but if you have a warranty on that alternator I'd change it out. Keep in mind they are rebuilding these things -- some from intermittent problems and they test them but if it works it's out the door! Most will do their best and replace the common wear items but it NOT NEW. Damn even new stuff can fail! Good luck, T
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TekRat
New User
Feb 25, 2006, 7:20 AM
Post #5 of 8
(1638 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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i know what you mean thing is it this was tested at a garage at least three times and found not to be a problem, mind you im testing it again myself before i change it. I think i will pull the fuse on the lights and see what happens, could be just a problem in their circuit, ive heard of a few people who had problems with daytime running.
I know all alternators are refurbs, ive had it changed out twice because the alternator i bought was no good
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 25, 2006, 9:10 AM
Post #6 of 8
(1635 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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Testing of these things is iffy. Many will behave when bench tested but when in the car may not like vibrations. Most have worked but a few were stinkers and took a few tries. Hope this is an easy one to replace -- trust me some almost require engine removal!! Good luck and let us know how you make out with this pain in the butt problem, T
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TekRat
New User
Feb 25, 2006, 4:01 PM
Post #7 of 8
(1632 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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i took the car to my grandfather who is a master mechanic he took one look at how it ran and said fuel filter. he said if the alt was bad the voltmeter wouldnt jump up and down it would stay down, i hope this work
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 25, 2006, 8:21 PM
Post #8 of 8
(1627 views)
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Re: Near power failure
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A new fuel filter can't hurt but only help your car. It has NOTHING to do with voltage and amp output. T
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