This is kinda long:
I have an 83 sc w/2.8l v6
about a week ago i started having charging problems
the lights are dim and turn are signals slow
two days ago since its been getting really cold,i notice what i thought was a short when i move the wiper/signal shaft around
it seems to cut my radio off.
Now when i'm driving the radio turns off and (on at lights) with the signal
the radio also turns off when i hit brakes (lights?). the volt light and the choke light are now periodically turning on and off together. If i put it in nutral the and rev engine or am accerating the radio stays on. problems are frequent when heat and lights are on.in warm weather the car s has been doing ok but not fully charging
Will a new alt and battery solve my problem. also will a late model camaro alternator fit my car. i can get a 140amp one off a 96. Please help i've never really had an electrical problem before.
:Must mentions are:
headunit- kenwood 508s (tape)
amp-200watt pyramid (doesn't turn off and on with radio)
collins-8in ported

p.s. these problems occur even with amp off for days at a time.

 

Could be several problems. Start by charging your battery and see if it will hold a charge. Have the local auto parts store put a load on it. It may have a bad cell. If the water has been topped off it may have a frozen cell and not holding a charge. If it has been dead or had a low charge lately it is probably gond. Replace if it is more than a little old. Second, your alternator is trying to keep up with the power required from all the accessories, but isn't able to pull all the load. Especially if your battery is low and not putting in its fair share. The alternator can't charge the battery and power the car too. It will eventually burn out the diodes in the alternator. Alla necessitating replacement of the alternator. Last, check to make sure your alternator belt is tight. Replace if more than a little old. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!

 

got stuck at school today battery dead. my dad brought me another battery, it lasted till i got home. the other battery is only a year old. i'm charging it tonite. i suppose that becuase the other drained completely on the way home the alternator is shot. wish me luck

 

alternator is not really a big deal. are you handy, most delco-remy alternators are fairly easy to rebuild. you can purchase kits from jcwhitney and also online at www.aternatorparts.com your other problems sort out one at a time. the thirdgen cars are loaded with them. good luck, Danno