Electronics Need help wiring something up? Thinking of adding an electrical component to your car? Need help troubleshooting that wiring glitch?

Losing Power

Old Dec 31, 2009 | 09:52 PM
  #1  
92CAMARO350EDEL's Avatar
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Losing Power

When ever i turn my lights on i watch my power go down and when i turn my heater on it goes down even more?? but when i turn everything off it goes back up to normal...any suggestions or known causes for this???
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Old Jan 1, 2010 | 09:57 AM
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From: Kansas
Car: 90 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0 TPI- slightly modified...
Transmission: Modified 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23 eaton posi moser shaft
Re: Losing Power

Sounds like one of a few problems.

Problem 1: The alternator is weak and is not puting out the correct amperage. Your local parts store can test this.
Problem 2: The battery is bad, not holding a charge and resulting in voltage drop when you use high power accessories.
Problem 3: The battery cables are corroded (could be inside the jacket where it cannot be seen), resulting in high resistance which causes voltage drop.
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Old Jan 1, 2010 | 10:07 AM
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Re: Losing Power

ive checked both the altenator and the battery is brand new.. i will check the wires tho...thanks
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Old Jan 1, 2010 | 10:09 AM
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From: Kansas
Car: 90 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0 TPI- slightly modified...
Transmission: Modified 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23 eaton posi moser shaft
Re: Losing Power

Test the wires for resistance, but be sure that you disconnect one side first, or you will get a false reading.
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Old Jan 1, 2010 | 11:44 AM
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Re: Losing Power

How far down does the voltage drop? Are you going by the factory gauge or are you using a digital voltmeter? To an extent it's normal for the voltage to drop a bit.
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Old Jan 1, 2010 | 07:04 PM
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Re: Losing Power

i just put brand new wires on and they are good. I am going off of my factory gauges and they go from 13 to below 8
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Old Jan 2, 2010 | 11:44 PM
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Re: Losing Power

Try monitoring the voltage with a DVOM, and see if the gauge is actually reading correct. Also I'd have the alternator tested a couple more times before assuming it's ok. A lot of parts stores don't know how to run their equipment. If you've got a local shop that does starter and alternator rebuilds, they'll probably be a little more proficient at testing the components.
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