I've been trying to hunt down a gremlin in my 89 firebird, 305 TBI. The voltage at the gauge reads around 10-11 volts, but when I check it at the battery, it shows normal 12-14 volts. Somtimes the car will not start, but if I put jumper cables to it, it will start right up. I've replaced the alternator several times, the battery is a brand new Interstate and I replaced the starter just for grins.

I still have the same problem. What could be causing the gauge in the car to read low? Could it be some wiring, and if so what wires should I start looking at. Thanks for any help....

 

The guages in our cars aren't the most accurate. As long as you don't have problems starting your car or alt. squealing I wouldn't worry about it.

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I had the same problem in my '95 Astro. It turned out to be the Alternator.

 

I am having problems starting the car. The only way to get it to start is to put a charger or jumper cables to the battery. I'm confused because at the battery the voltage reads good. I'm not sure if the gauge is just a coincidence, but it seems like the battery is not charging enough to crank the starter. Should I look at replacing the cable to the starter and the battery? I've been fighting this thing for over a year. Just when I think the problem is fixed it comes back to haunt me...

 

I would guess the connection at the starter is OK, since you say you changed it. Definitely put a new cable on it. Get a new ground cable, too. Shouldn't be that expensive or difficult. Check to be sure you have good, clean connections all around.
I wouldn't worry about the gauge for now. Mine reads all over the place. I drove around with a voltmeter plugged up to the cigarette lighter to assure myself it was just the gauge. (It was)


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88 IROC with cobbled together (not by me)drivetrain, 86 (?) TPI unit on an '83 305,CE subframe connectors, Edelbrock strut tower brace, polygraphite bushings all around...it handles like a dream, but man is it hard to push!!

 

Possibly a bad ground like bjase said.
When you say it doesnt start what does it do? click click or nothing? I've had problems in the past with those cheap *** rebuilt starters from pep boys. Could be a possibility.

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No it doesn't click, it just doesn't start (brand new AC Delco starter). It just occurred to me that when I use jumper cables to jump start the car, aren't I adding an additional ground cable? Maybe it is the ground cable. I'll try that and let everyone know. Thanks for all the advice.