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

Low voltage...?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 01:02 AM
  #1  
eXpLiCiT's Avatar
Thread Starter
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Low voltage...?

Well here's the problem. During the day when I first start the car my voltage guage sits at about 12v-12.5v but as the engine warms up or I start driving and raise the rpm's the guage goes to about 13.5v-14v. As soon as I turn on my headlights, heater, or wipers it drops to 12v or lower. When all three are on, my lights dim and wipers get real lazy.

I have replaced my batter and alternator within the last two years. I also recently added extra grounds to the strut tower and alternator bracket. The only thing I haven't replaced is the positive cable from the battery but I don't see why this would cause it since it's only purpose is to provide power to the starter. What do you guy reccomend I do? I plan on taking my car to kragen tomorrow and have them test my charging system. Anything else I should take a look at? Thanks.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 07:06 AM
  #2  
Siraniko's Avatar
RX for fun
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 25
From: Socal
replace the battery cables and be sure to have a good ground.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 11:37 AM
  #3  
enigma32's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Central New York
I second the motion.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 02:42 PM
  #4  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 257
Likes: 1
From: Stony Point NY
Originally Posted by wackyracer
replace the battery cables and be sure to have a good ground.

i agree
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 03:47 PM
  #5  
eXpLiCiT's Avatar
Thread Starter
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Well I just got back from kragen and they tested my system and told me the battery is good but there's no charging voltage so my alternator is bad. It's under warranty so Im going to replace it and if that doesn't fix the problem Ill replace the cables. Thanks for all the input.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 05:50 PM
  #6  
ChasRX's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 20 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 589
Likes: 3
From: Coastal
I have a similar issue. I recently went to a local welding supply shop and purchased 4-gauge welding wire as I'd read a tip on here to use welding wire for least resistance. (Our shop at work has a mega-crimp tool so I can match the sub-connectors same as the stock cables.) I'll post results, soon.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2005 | 06:27 PM
  #7  
enigma32's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Central New York
Originally Posted by ChasRX
I have a similar issue. I recently went to a local welding supply shop and purchased 4-gauge welding wire as I'd read a tip on here to use welding wire for least resistance. (Our shop at work has a mega-crimp tool so I can match the sub-connectors same as the stock cables.) I'll post results, soon.
Any decent copper wire with a high strand count should work very nicely.
(welding wire fits this definition)
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Turblown
Vendor Classifieds
12
Oct 17, 2020 03:25 PM
Logan Reinisch
General Rotary Tech Support
44
Sep 17, 2018 12:20 PM
Jmpabon93
New Member RX-7 Technical
1
Sep 30, 2015 04:57 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:20 PM.