1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1985 GSLSE intermittent electric

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Old Dec 3, 2012 | 09:39 AM
  #1  
atheadwins's Avatar
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1985 GSLSE intermittent electric

Howdy y'all,
This is confusing me, my SE runs great, it doesn't die and when on electric stays at 12v. 90% of the time it will start just fine. However, every now and then like this morning it won't turn over or it will have enough power to turn over slowly. But too slow to start. When this happens I push start it and works fine. Alternator was rebuilt less than a year ago and the battery was replaced just before that.
I am very confused about this so please share your infinite knowledge and have a fantastic week!

Thanks,
Al
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Old Dec 4, 2012 | 05:55 AM
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Try redoing the battery ground, and check the battery connections. Sometimes they can seem just fine, but are not. A good cleaning never hurts anyway.
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Old Dec 9, 2012 | 07:12 PM
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When the car is running put a digital volt meter between the positive wire at the alternator and the battery neg. should be charging the system over 12v's atleast this will help to determine if you have a charging issue

Also even tho the battery isnt that old it wouldn't hurt to take it to you local auto parts store and have them check it for free. I've seen alot of new/ not that old batterys have issues or bad cells this will rule out a battery issue
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 09:00 AM
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Make sure the negative battery cable terminals are clean and tight. There are three terminals. One at the battery, one on the right side shock tower and one at the long starter bolt. Positive cable connects to rear of the starter. If the original battery cables are still on your car you should consider replacing them. It can make a big difference. Starter could be beginning to fail, but I would check the cables first.
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 09:56 PM
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Thanks Derrick S, Kansasrx7, and 74rx4,

Sounds like replacing the battery cables would be a good idea, maybe get a box and move battery to middle of car.
Kansasrx7, thanks for the info on testing wires.

Thanks have a great week
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 11:14 PM
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The starter in my bro's GSL-SE was slow. Swapped starters, worked fine. But his cables were old and needed to be changed as well. I changed out all that stuff in my GSL-SE and it cranks fine.
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Old Dec 12, 2012 | 12:38 AM
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I had to change out my battery eventually because I was having the same issue for about 2 weeks straight and got sick of it. Bought a big ol' green battery with like 800CCA at 32degF and 650CCA at 0degF and that solved my issue. But now I think my alternator is going out so I'm going to have to figure it out again. May actually redo the wiring as mentioned in the post here, seems like a very good idea.
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