Low voltage light
04-12-2003, 10:41 AM
#1
Low voltage light
Yesterday I got my car back, and it was running fantastic. However, after driving for about 3 hours, the low voltage light came on very dimly. I turned around and headed home, and the light kept fluxtuating intensity. It seemed independent of engine speed, just sometimes it would get brighter, sometimes it would go completely away.
What could cause this? My battery sat for 3 months in a cold garage this winter. I don't know the condition of the alternator. New grounds are on the way from Iceshark.
What could cause this? My battery sat for 3 months in a cold garage this winter. I don't know the condition of the alternator. New grounds are on the way from Iceshark.
04-12-2003, 12:24 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
Get the new grounds installed. And scrub off the positives, especially on the starter lug.
While the battery may be going, I wouldn't give up on it yet. First target is voltage regulator. If that is original I'll put a *real* money bet that the brushes are shot. '83 944 = brushes about as thick as a RCH. And don't ask me what a RCH is, if you don't know. <img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />
While the battery may be going, I wouldn't give up on it yet. First target is voltage regulator. If that is original I'll put a *real* money bet that the brushes are shot. '83 944 = brushes about as thick as a RCH. And don't ask me what a RCH is, if you don't know. <img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />
04-12-2003, 04:48 PM
#4
The starter is brand-new, so that isn't the problem. I'll scrape off the battery posts, though they appear to be in pretty good condition. I'm also going to pull the voltage regulator if I can figure out what it is. I'll post some pics so you guys can better help determine if it's bad.
Iceshark, do you know if/when you sent out the grounds? Just looking to get an estimate on when I should expect them. Also, how much do VR's run? Gotta be cheaper than a enw alternator, right? The $1500 repair bill yesterday made my wallet a little light <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
Iceshark, do you know if/when you sent out the grounds? Just looking to get an estimate on when I should expect them. Also, how much do VR's run? Gotta be cheaper than a enw alternator, right? The $1500 repair bill yesterday made my wallet a little light <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
04-12-2003, 05:51 PM
#5
Here's some pics of the alternator. It looks pretty new to me:
<img src="http://members.rennlist.com/iloveporsches/Alt%201.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://members.rennlist.com/iloveporsches/Alt%202.jpg" alt=" - " />
What part is the voltage regulator?
Also, what the heck is this thing? I noticed when reconnecting the oxygen sensor. It sits right above it, in the rear of the engine. The pic doesn't show it, but there's a wire or two coming out the back.
<img src="http://members.rennlist.com/iloveporsches/Thing.jpg" alt=" - " />
Sorry for such large pics, I guess I still don't know how to resize things <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />
<img src="http://members.rennlist.com/iloveporsches/Alt%201.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://members.rennlist.com/iloveporsches/Alt%202.jpg" alt=" - " />
What part is the voltage regulator?
Also, what the heck is this thing? I noticed when reconnecting the oxygen sensor. It sits right above it, in the rear of the engine. The pic doesn't show it, but there's a wire or two coming out the back.
<img src="http://members.rennlist.com/iloveporsches/Thing.jpg" alt=" - " />
Sorry for such large pics, I guess I still don't know how to resize things <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />
04-12-2003, 05:54 PM
#6
Nordschleife Master
Brandon, I just received your check yesterday evening so haven't shipped anything yet.
Do you want the adjustable voltage regulator with brushes? That is $16.50 & I can drop it in your battery cable box. Won't cost anymore in shipping.
The voltage regulator is located on the back of the alternator casing and on an '83 NA is fairly easy to replace. You have it captured in your first picture at the bottom. It has the white plastic base located next to the bearing boss.
Do you want the adjustable voltage regulator with brushes? That is $16.50 & I can drop it in your battery cable box. Won't cost anymore in shipping.
The voltage regulator is located on the back of the alternator casing and on an '83 NA is fairly easy to replace. You have it captured in your first picture at the bottom. It has the white plastic base located next to the bearing boss.