2000-2005 Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, and SSEi Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Voltage Waving Back and Forth

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-16-2009, 01:48 AM
  #1  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
do9105's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
do9105 is on a distinguished road
Default Voltage Waving Back and Forth

Recently I've noticed the voltage on my car is waving back and forth from 14-16(?) I don't remember exactly what the numbers are.. just in between the red part of the voltage meter and the middle.. So what do you guys think it is? I've heard from someone at work that it'* either the belt or my alternator is going. I've also noticed that when music is playing and there is bass the lights dim very slightly. My amp is only drawing 370 watts. So what do you guys think it is? and how much would it cost to fix it.
Old 10-16-2009, 06:32 AM
  #2  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

$5,000 please send your money order to me at.........lol

We caqn't tell you how much to fix something when we haven't diagnosed it yet. in most cases, you can fix something for low $$.

Take a look at the belt, does it look chewed up, cracked or frayed?
Listen to the alternator while the car is running, does it sound labored or odd?

On the 00+ cars there is a ground under the rear seat by the battery. Many have found this to have been painted before the ground was attached, causing a poor connection.

As for the dimming with bass, you can see some of that with a stock radio. It sounds like your system is pulling a little more than the stocker.
Old 10-16-2009, 06:39 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
 
crunkfrunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
crunkfrunk is on a distinguished road
Default

and the stock amp only puts out 105 amps for an L36, and once the RPMs go below ~800 the PCM turns the generator field off because it just can't put out enough power at that low of a rotation speed
Old 11-08-2009, 10:38 PM
  #4  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
do9105's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
do9105 is on a distinguished road
Default

the belt loooks fine. But there is a high pitched noise, I'm not completely sure it was the alternator making the noise. But whatever it was it was making a high pitched noise. I'm looking to buy a new alternator now. Where should I look to buy one that is going to put out more amps than the stock one. I'm thinking I might be putting subs into my car in the near future. So, I'm thinking that a 160 amps would be sufficient enough. Also, could it be my battery?

I was looking at these alternators. Knukonceptz Domestic Alternator Intro

Also.. If I were to buy a new battery where will I be able to look to make sure that a new battery will fit? Since I'll most likely be buying online.
Old 11-08-2009, 10:53 PM
  #5  
Retired Senior Admin

Expert Gearhead
 
Danthurs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 24 Posts
Danthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to all
Default

Take a look at RockAuto Auto Parts they should have a good selection, and great prices.
Old 11-08-2009, 11:36 PM
  #6  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
do9105's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
do9105 is on a distinguished road
Default

There alternators are only putting out the same amount of amps as the stock alt on bonnevilles. And.. how would go about finding a battery that will fit my car?
Old 11-22-2009, 10:50 AM
  #7  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
do9105's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
do9105 is on a distinguished road
Default

soo... does anyone know what the problem could be? I replaced the alternator and the problem is still there.
Old 11-22-2009, 10:56 AM
  #8  
Retired Administrator

True Car Nut
 
GunsOfNavarone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Williamsport, PA
Posts: 2,906
Received 193 Likes on 149 Posts
GunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud of
Default

Does the problem happen with the radio off?
Old 11-22-2009, 11:12 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Black Pearl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: STC, MN
Posts: 3,301
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Black Pearl is on a distinguished road
Default

If it'* steady between 14 and 16 I wouldn't worry about it much, as it will fluxuate depending on the alt. load. If it steadily drops down to 12-13 it might be time to look into rebuild or replacement
Old 11-22-2009, 12:44 PM
  #10  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
 
do9105's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
do9105 is on a distinguished road
Default

I just feel like something is wrong with it though because my lights still dim and everything when bass hits while listening to music, but the voltage is high.


Quick Reply: Voltage Waving Back and Forth



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:44 PM.