Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Well first I'll tell you what the problem is , then Ill tell you what I've checked and/or replaced. When I try to start my car, it seems as if the battery is dead. The voltimeter is only reading around 10V. If I turn the key and crank it, it will slowly turn ....then a little faster,....little faster...then finally start. When it is running the it reads 14V just like it should. I can drive around forever with no problems, always reads 14V. Sometimes if Im at idle and I turn the headlights on, it will drop to 12V for a second, then slowly go back up to 14V.

Now..I have a brand new Battey (Die Hard) and a new alternator. Ive tested both and they are working properly. I've checked the grounds, and replaced the one from the top of the tranny to the body, and installed a few more. I ran one from the - Batt terminal to the body, and another from a nut on the IM to the body. I ran 10 gauge wire from the Alternator post to the + Battery terminal. Ive tested the resistance of the wire from the + battery termial to the starter, it was low, ( .5 Ohms). IM really at a loss here, I have no clue whats wrong. it seems as if there is not enough power getting from the battery to the starter, even though the battery is fine and the resistance is OK. The only thing that I can think is if the starter silinoid is draining power somehow. Any help will be greatly appreciated, I need to get this fixed ASAP. Thanks

junior-coyote

I would guess that its the starter.

Use a real voltmeter and check the voltage at the starter during cranking. Should be more than 8V. If the starter gets really hot, that is a clue that the starter is fried. You could also measure the amperage to the starter if you have that tool. Clean all connections at the starter.

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Well like I said before, when I first turn the key, before I start it, the cars voltmeter is only reading about 10V. It should be 12V (at least thats what mine has always read before). So what seems to be the problem is that not enough power is getting to the starter. If the starter silinoid was somehow draing too much power....but I dunno. Im really not that good at electrical stuff, Id rather tear the engine apart that re-wire something

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Basically to sum it up when I first turn the key to "on", but not start, it is only reading 10V, instead of 12V like it is supposed to.

junior-coyote

I wouldn't trust the dash volt meter. Use a multimeter. How did you test the battery? With a load tester?

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Yes, tested the batt with a load tester, also have an alternator tester that I checked the Alt with. My stepdad used to own his own shop so I have all kinds of goodies Im gonna run out now and do a few more tests, Ill be back

junior-coyote

A load tester is good. Does it have a voltmeter on it? (it should.) Hook the tester to the battery while you are cranking. Watch the voltage. The manual in front of me says it should not go below 8V. Even if it doesn't, if the starter gets very hot (a realative measure, start some other cars and see how hot the starter gets) the starter may be malfunctioning too. On the other hand, If the voltage doesn't drop much, your connections may be dirty.

I think that .5 ohm resistance for what is a strait electrical connection is too high. The problem will probably be corrosion on the connections (battery clamp, starter connector) You can use the ohm meter to measure the resistance of each connection by testing between both parts of the connection (eg. post and clamp). You can even test the resistance between a battery post and clamp by dissconnecting the other post.

junior-coyote

Since a starter motor draws on the order of 100amps the resistance of the motor would have to be about .1 ohms. (120amps = 12V / .1 ohms)

So your .5 ohm connection resistance is much greater than the resistance of the motor. There will be a large voltage drop between the battery and the starter.

Also check the resistance between the starter body and the negative post of the battery.

Eric89GTU

My car had shitass connections by the fusebox... the main power wire out of the fusebox was toast... I had really odd issues because of it. Take a look aroudn there, see if everything is okay. If it's not, it could give you low voltages, etc. (made my car not start a few times).

Eric

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

alright, sounds like Im replacing the battery wires. Any other ideas?? Thanks alot.

bamrx7

I have the same problem...let me know if you find out the cure.

good luck,

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Will do