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Electrical Problems: Idiot Lights

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Old 10-24-04, 06:20 PM
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Electrical Problems: Idiot Lights

So, I was coming off the highway, and all the idiot lights decided to turn on at once. I didnt know what it meant at the time, but they were really intermittent. They all turn on when the car is at low speed, low rpms. I managed to get the car home okay, and everything seems fine.

I looked around on the forum, and found it could be because of the alternator. I checked the belt first, it was perfectly fine. The voltage output is between 13.5 and 13.9 volts (on the stock guage) as always. Even when at low rpms. At first, I figured the alternator is going out, but the voltage reads normal, so I'm not sure anymore.

Any Ideas???

Thanks,

EDIT: Its an 84 GS

Last edited by darkfrost; 10-24-04 at 06:29 PM.
Old 10-24-04, 06:58 PM
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I have this problem too, well kinda. I have underdrive pulleys, and if my rpms ever drop to like 400 or something, like its gonna stall, all the idiot lights come on all at once.

So yeah the problem is probably alternator related. By the way, a healthy charging system should be above 14 volts not 13. Your alternator would be on its way out, or you may have corosion in your battery cables or the wires going from the alternator to the battery.
Old 10-24-04, 07:25 PM
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Yes i would definatly check for corroded wires but also voltage is nothing without amprage its possibale to have 13.9 volts and 2 amps its not gona charge your battery well if ya have no amperage so check or have your alt thorughly checked hope this helps
Old 10-24-04, 11:27 PM
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Yeah a dead battery will still say 12-14 volts
Old 10-25-04, 05:00 AM
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The guy that sold me my car pulled the plug on the alternator, so none of the idiot lights worked... If it was plugged in I woulda seen the alternator was shithouse.

Sounds like alternator =)

Good luck,
Old 10-25-04, 11:06 AM
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Well, good time to upgrade to something bigger. Then I can get the e-fan in there too.
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