electrical problem

[zeiss150]

Whats going on?

For about the last five days my amp meter has been reading in the +20 range and when I turn on my head lights it jumps to about +30.

Does that mean that my battery is going dead because it can't hold a charge?

then a little suprise my amp meter started jumping around and now it stays at about -15 with my head lights on and about -1 with my lights off. And when my lights are on they are not as bright as they were.

Is it an altinator thing or a battery thing?

I have a new (put in 2 years ago) voltage regulator

I checked all of the connections

the altinator is only 2 years old also

Help!

I suck at electrical stuff

Matt-

[sblake01]

About a month ago, while driving my 810, suddendly all of the warning lights came on and my volt meter dropped to an even 12 volts. Normal is a little above 14. When I got home, I tested it with a voltmeter and it was still at 12 with all the warning lights on then suddenly it seemed to go back to normal. The next time I drove it, it jumped up to the top of the voltmeter. I went home and checked it again with a voltmeter and it was sitting at 16.5 at an idle and the more you revved it the higher it went. I swiched it out with my spare alternator and it has been normal ever since. Since my regulator is integral, I really don't know which went bad, alternator or regulator, but based on what you described, I would test those two first after you've made sure all of the connections are good.

[JZM]

zeiss150 if your talking about your 72Z than I would first check the battery and connections[just to be safe]then check your alternator voltage output

for older Zs first check it at about 1100 to 1200 rpm than check it at about 2500 rpm.if the voltage shoots upward beyond 14.9 to 15.0 volts you may have a voltage regulator problem.if the voltage does not go up that high

you might have an alternator problem.be sure to check all related starting and charging connections first.I'm sure if you go to the nearest parts store they may be able to test a few items and at least give you some better direction.

p.s.it's always wise to replace the alternator and the voltage regulator together.

p.s.s.if your headlights are still or just not bright enough for you check out

Zs-ondabrain he can help you out.

JZM

[EZ-E]

I would agree with JZM, check things out first and know what your dealing with, make it easier to find what needs repair.

[EScanlon]

If the car is driveable, take it to SEARS Automotive and have them do a $10.00 system check.

They'll let you know what you have and allow you to either let them do it, or you can decide to do it later.

It's a cheap ten-spot and you can still get the parts and take it home and do it.

2¢

Enrique

[zeiss150]

Thanks for the advice guys. I took it to my local parts store and had them check the altinator and sure enough it was totally dead. I droped in a new one in about 20 minuets and everything is back to normal. Thanks for your help guys!

As always this site rocks!

Rock on Z people!

Matt

P.S. I smoked a guy off the line the other day. He was driving a 02 camaro SS I think I sacared him when burned out in second gear :devious: . Man I love my Z.

[JZM]

Please tell me you replaced your voltage regulator too.you don't want to replace your alternator again anytime soon do you?

P.S. GOOD JOB ON THE SS! :devious: :devious: :devious:

JZM

[zeiss150]

Yes, I did replace my voltage regulator.

I did make a bone head mistake though. I have an F54 set up and I thought I should get the 82 altinator.... wrong! :stupid: I soon learned that the 82 altinator has a built in regulator and because of that the car would not turn off. So I went back to the auto parts store and they were kind enough to swap out the altinators. Now I have a new altinator and a new regulator and vwaaaaa Laaaa my Z runs perfect.

Thanks guys! I have to go smoke some SS's now :devious:

Rock on Z People