I have a code 53 in the computer, 'system overvoltage'. I also noticed that with the key on, engine off, the battery light does not come on. The owner's manual says it should come on with key on, then go off when the engine starts. But it is off all the time, even with engine running, and with engine off, key on. What does this tell me about the alternator and charging system ?

Thanks

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88 GTA 5.7 TPI Charcoal Grey Bone Stock except for loose muffler which makes it a bit louder than normal.

 

Damndest thing, eh? You'd expect a warning light to be "on" while you're driving, not "off" while you're starting the car!

On my '86, the absense of a battery light in the "key on" position (engine off, before starting) means the alternator is shot... it can tell the regulator's dead.

You'd think the light would show up while you're driving the car... what a dumb way to wire a warning light! Who "casually" looks for a missing light? But, after going through 3 alternators, now I check that light every time before I start the car...

Oh, make sure the bulb's not burned out!

[edit] If you have a voltmeter, you can throw it on the battery. With the engine stopped, you should have around 12 volts. When you start the motor, put the voltmeter back on- it should read about 13.8 volts. If it's too low or too high, that's no good.

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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

[This message has been edited by TomP (edited July 23, 2001).]

 

My car is doing the same thing and the check engine light doesn't come on either. I can't get any trouble codes to flash-the bulbs are all good, checked them with a meter. My alternator is good. Could it be the ecm?

 

Finally took the car to a mechanic, not just for the light, but for other problems. He removed the instrument panel to check the battery light and found that there was no light there, and not even a socket for a light to go into! He says this car just doesn't have a battery light and isn't supposed to. My manual which came with the car, which is a "firebird" manual, not a GTA Trans Am manual, says there is a light there, but the manual must be too generic.
Unbelievable, huh ?

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88 GTA 5.7 TPI Charcoal Grey Bone Stock except for loose muffler which makes it a bit louder than normal.

 

You still should of gotten a light with your car!!

Just go down to your local junk yard and rip out a few bulbs/sockets from a dash and put it back in there.

See ya should bought a camaro.. atleast we have gauges fer stuff like that

Kat

 

Yeah I agree with KAT, if you had a Camaro you would have guages instead of idiot lites. I can't believe there is no voltage reading/lites/guagues. Are you sure the lites and wires did not fall behind the instrument panel somewhere? I would think that is standard equipment on these type cars. Take the panel off yourself and look. Don't trust the mechanic on this one. Just my .02.

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86 Camaro Black SS Coupe, T Tops, Flowmaster, Custom Paint, Dunlop Road Kings S/R tires, Wheel Country Directional Chrome Wheels,new charcoal & gray interior including seats and door panels, new carpet and headliner, complete front end suspension rebuild, new Valve seals, and more mods to come
http://www.angelfire.com/sports/niterider/86camaro.html
Morgan_Andre@hotmail.com

 

There is a voltage guage, just not an idiot light for the battery. As far as trusting my (new) mech, I guess I have to : I am using him because I couln't trust my previous mech and fired him for a lot of reasons. I would rather do all the work myself, but in this last case, I spent days checking out sensors and wires and took the alt out to parts stores, etc, etc. This guy is not exactly cheap and insists on using gm parts, not autozone stuff, but at least he fixes the problem. Need a new computer this time.

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88 GTA 5.7 TPI Charcoal Grey Bone Stock except for loose muffler which makes it a bit louder than normal.

 

I feel you on the mechanic thing. Good help is hard to find. Nothing wrong with good ole Mr. Goodwrench parts if you can afford them. At least they are American made. Ever consider running a seperate guage for the battery. Either to a pillar pod if you have Tee's or on the dash somewhere? Grab one a the j-yard and install.

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86 Camaro Black SS Coupe, T Tops, Flowmaster, Custom Paint, Dunlop Road Kings S/R tires, Wheel Country Directional Chrome Wheels,new charcoal & gray interior including seats and door panels, new carpet and headliner, complete front end suspension rebuild, new Valve seals, and more mods to come
http://www.angelfire.com/sports/niterider/86camaro.html
Morgan_Andre@hotmail.com