Electrical Gremlins have arrived
#1
Electrical Gremlins have arrived
For the first time today I noticed my stereo turning off briefly then coming back on and going through this process repeatedly when out driving.Then I associated or connected the problem with the stepping on the brake and sure enough if I stepped on the brake the stereo would kick off.Then I noticed at a full stop the alternator droppping about two volts in a sudden movement followed by a pulsating movement of the alternator needle in concert with the turn signal.Then when I came home I noticed if I popped up the headlights or turned on the fan or both the alternator would quickly drop down to 6 volts or so then rebound upwards.Are these all the signs of a failing alternator or perhaps something else?
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#8
Yes the lights dim quite a bit and the alternator happens to be 8 yrs. old but had stood strong like a trooper with no complaints until earlier today.I will check the fsm to see if there is an easy check to verify whether my alternator is checking out for greener pastures.
#10
As far as "does it make sounds" are you referring to the stereo or perhaps something else? Ok. I just tried to start the car and it acted like it was dead until I stepped down on the brake and it started right up(very strange).I then turned on the headlights and no drop in voltage.Then I tried the fan and also no drop in voltage.Then I tried both fan and lights and no drop in voltage.Tried the pumping of the brakes yet was all well.Sounds like I might have some type of short rather then it being isolated to the alternator itself.Looks like I am in deep doo doo.Oh well! I think I am going to take it for a spin aroung the hood to see how things unfold.At this point anything is possible.I am the original owner and this is by far the worst problem I have had.I guess it was bound to catch up to me at some point in time.
Last edited by satch; 01-05-08 at 04:09 PM.
#11
I believe I found the problem or it was a "complete" coincidence.Seems that the negative terminal clamp which I had recently replaced was sticking out of the side of the battery box.The piece jutting out was bare metal and I "believe" this bare metal was coming in contact with the underside of the hood thus creating a short! If this is indded the problem then I am a monkeys uncle of immense proportions.This would help to explain why things seemed up to par when the hood was up but not when down.It would be a blessings of sorts if this was ultimately the problem.I will keep my fingers crossed and a big thanks to all who chimed in.The poster who mentioned a short was right on and you know who you are .Thanks again from a fellow board prowler, I mean member.
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