Possible Charging Issue

**nfellman** · 09-24-2011, 05:36 PM

Hey guys, Ive been having some charging trouble with my 98 Trans Am that I just bought. On Thursday evening it died on me but started back up with a jump but as I drove my headlights and dash lights got dim and then the car died. So the next day I went and bought a new alternator and battery (over 4 years old) and after installing both of those the car ran alright for a little bit but then today the voltage meter on the dash dropped and it was right above the 8 and died! So yet again I pulled the new alternator out (remanufactured) and took it back to have it tested and it failed.... So I got another one and just got done installing it, the car seems to be driving fine right now but looking at the voltage meter I am a little concerned because it still seems kinda low. I could use any bit of help or advice that you may have to fix this problem. Thank you in advance!

If this is in the wrong section please feel free to move it. Thanks!

Here is a picture of my dash voltage meter. Is this normal?

**KMdef9** · 09-24-2011, 11:06 PM

Is this a pic of it running?

**nfellman** · 09-24-2011, 11:57 PM

Yep that was with the car running idle with ac and headlights on.

**Mr_Rich** · 09-25-2011, 12:14 AM

I would be concerned. I recently replaced my engine and I'm still using my original alt. after over 128K miles. I installed an ASP underdrive balancer and my voltage stays to the right of the top hash mark. You should expect at least +13V at idle, even with the lights on.

**ls1ws6ben** · 09-25-2011, 07:54 AM

could be a dead cell in the battery..

**cammed goat** · 09-25-2011, 10:24 AM

I am thinking you might have a bad ground or possibly a broken ground wire. I will post this for reference just in case:

http://www.ls1.com/forums/f6/fix-if-...re-plu-133361/

Let us know what you find.

**pajeff02** · 09-25-2011, 12:40 PM

Never rule anything out just because it is "new". Take a good look at your cables and connections and inspect them for corrosion or damage.

**nfellman** · 09-25-2011, 12:53 PM

Ok well I went out this morning and drove the car around and it seems like it is charging just fine now. I went through and made sure that all cables and ground straps were tight. So as far as right now it seems like the car is fixed!! Thanks everyone for you input and ideas!!