October 5, 200520 yr Im really hoping that this is not another problem with my alternator. I was having problems before because of a some hack job on the wires under the hood. I had F&S in Waterbury rewire it back to stock and replace the alternator. Now when i start it up the voltage is low and stays low for awhile and then jumps up to normal. It doesn't affect the way the car runs in the slightest. Im almost leaning towards the gauge being sticky. Wonder if anyone else has had this problem. Ive let it sit for a whole week and the same thing happens. It always starts on the first try so im a bit stumped.
October 5, 200520 yr Are you talking about the stock gauges. The oil pressure and the volt meter kind of worked in my 86 wagon but were pretty finiky
October 5, 200520 yr If the headlights dim when the voltage reads low, the gauge is probably accurate. If not, then it's likely just the gauge malfunctioning. This would be a great excuse to go buy a digital volt/ohm meter:brow: .
October 5, 200520 yr The problem is most likey in the alternator. It may be a connection problem in the exciter.
October 6, 200520 yr Author If it turns out to be the alternator (again), could my stereo be causing them to fail? I have two ten inch subs in the trunk with a 300 watt RMS amp not to mention a pretty powerful headunit. Any thoughts on this? If it is my stereo killing them should i just get an XT6 90amp alt. Ive heard that they will bolt right up with little to modes other than the pully. thanks.
October 6, 200520 yr does it do it every time you start up? Just when it's cold? about the stereo/subs, couldn't you turn the stereo/subs off, then the next time you start the car they should be off and not pulling anything? I wouldn't think that they would pull enough current to cause the alternator to do that. Sounds like you could use a new one :-/
October 6, 200520 yr Author Its been doing it everytime i start it up recently. Then when its warmed up and have been driving for a few minutes..it goes back up to normal.
October 6, 200520 yr If your alternator is bad I would get at least a ninety amp model next. The higher power used by the stereo isn't helping at all.
October 6, 200520 yr Author If your alternator is bad I would get at least a ninety amp model next. The higher power used by the stereo isn't helping at all. Yeah i was thinking it wasn't helping. Its only a 55amp alt. I guess im going to have to put up a wanted ad for an XT6 alt. This would make the fourth alternator in this car since ive had it. jeez!!!
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