General GM Chat When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made. Chat about all things GM (and related cars). Off-topic stuff should be in the Lounge, and all Model specific mechanical problems should be posted in the proper forum.

What electrical problems would cause a vehicle to die?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 06:10 PM
  #1  
convicted's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
convicted is on a distinguished road
Default What electrical problems would cause a vehicle to die?

First off, sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I was unable to find the Saturn mechanical and maintenance forum.

Here'* the deal. My Saturn jumps fine but dies after running for about 2-10 minutes. After it dies, I check the battery with my voltmeter which reads about 10-11V. The battery is obviously dying so I removed my alternator, had it tested (tested good) and purchased a new alternator just to be sure. Same thing happens after new alternator is installed. I have checked all fuses, grounds, and I have checked for free spin on all the pulleys.

I am stuck and have no idea what else to check. I would appreciate any help or direction you can give me. By the way the battery is brand new and the starter has also been replaced. Positive connections and ground connections going to and from starter, alternator all look fine.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 07:09 PM
  #2  
jwfirebird's Avatar
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,616
Likes: 594
From: western,ny state
jwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond repute
Default

you try cleaning the cable ends, you cant really see if they are good or bad. you test the voltage at the battery with it running?
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2013 | 12:00 AM
  #3  
convicted's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
convicted is on a distinguished road
Default

Battery terminals and cables look great, voltage while it runs is about 12 and slowly drops until it dies.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2013 | 06:56 AM
  #4  
jwfirebird's Avatar
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,616
Likes: 594
From: western,ny state
jwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond repute
Default

the diagrams i have dont have charging schematics for charging. there could be a fusible link blown if it has one or the enable circuit is bad. and like i said you cant look at a cable and determine weather the connection is good or bad you have to clean it with a file or wire brush and the point that it touches on the body or engine until both are shiny
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SilverSleeper8704
Buick
24
Mar 1, 2012 09:30 AM
57lxi
1992-1999
1
Aug 25, 2010 09:27 PM
rstrunk
1992-1999
27
Feb 22, 2008 03:37 AM
MileHighSSEi
Everything Electrical & Electronic
4
Feb 12, 2008 10:20 PM
bandit
Detailing & Appearance
17
Aug 22, 2006 12:53 PM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:07 PM.