'98 Trans Am not charging

**Nukkl Dragger** · 10-14-2010, 10:38 AM

30 miles from home I noticed that the volt gauge was just above the orange lines, when I got home it was on 13 and charging, so went to get some pizza it was still charging, next morning it was in the orange paint and must have been around 8 volts, I took the Alternator off and checked it out it was given it was running great (NAPA checked it out) now it won't start because the battery is drained.

Did I miss anything?

**35th-ANV-SS** · 10-14-2010, 10:47 AM

Loose wiring? Bad connection? Corroded connection?

Is the battery good? All cells good?

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-14-2010, 01:25 PM

Is it covered with power steering fluid? If yes you have more issues then the Alternator. I'll wait for answer.

Also there is a thin wire connector that plugs into the alternator. Check to see if it is broke. Also will wait for answer.

Like above have you checked the battery? Most batteries last 3-5 yrs.

**jb3golf** · 10-17-2010, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Is it covered with power steering fluid? If yes you have more issues then the Alternator. I'll wait for answer.

Also there is a thin wire connector that plugs into the alternator. Check to see if it is broke. Also will wait for answer.

Like above have you checked the battery? Most batteries last 3-5 yrs.

YEP!!! What HE said above............This is more of a common problem than people know..........WE WILL wait for your answers!

**KMdef9** · 10-17-2010, 05:36 PM

I'd a get a second opinion on the alt, also get the battery tested while your there.

Likely one of those are the problem.

**jb3golf** · 10-17-2010, 05:44 PM

Process of elimination!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Nukkl Dragger** · 10-18-2010, 06:39 AM

Hi I did check that, it was the wire.

I broke a wire in a connector and rewired that, it is charging again, thanks for the info on the wire.

feels good to cruise in it again.

**jb3golf** · 10-18-2010, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by Nukkl Dragger

Hi I did check that, it was the wire.

I broke a wire in a connector and rewired that, it is charging again, thanks for the info on the wire.

feels good to cruise in it again.

Congrats man!!!!! I'm happy you found out your problem. I've been through the same issue you have and it's nice WHEN your finally good to go again......

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-18-2010, 11:17 AM

glad it was something simple.

**SteveC** · 10-22-2010, 05:32 AM

Originally Posted by KMdef9

I'd a get a second opinion on the alt, also get the battery tested while your there.

Likely one of those are the problem.

That's what I was thinking, a dead cell or a sulfited (sp) battery.

SteveC

**Nukkl Dragger** · 10-23-2010, 07:43 AM

Hi, the battery checked out OK, the meter reads right on are just below the 13 mark so everything should be good I hope. I am taking it on a little trip this week, before it gets super cold outside.