Voltage problems with '92 SSEi
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Voltage problems with '92 SSEi
First post here btw, but i've been lurking for a while now.
Driving home after being on the highway for about 20 minutes my volt light came on about 20 yards from my driveway, I just figured the battery was dying. I was at home for about 20 minutes then when I left my car died about 30 yards down the street. I had a friend come and jump me, car started fine after the jump. Driving it back to my driveway the car felt like it was running on one cylinder. Giving it lots of gas I made it back to my driveway going about 5-10 mph. Then it died in the driveway. Charged the battery and got it started fine again, but I didn't take the cay out. Now it won't turnover.
I'm thinking it'* not the battery since my car died in the driveway still running after a good jump and charging. Maybe a voltage regulator, but can i replace that myself since it'* build into the alternator?
Driving home after being on the highway for about 20 minutes my volt light came on about 20 yards from my driveway, I just figured the battery was dying. I was at home for about 20 minutes then when I left my car died about 30 yards down the street. I had a friend come and jump me, car started fine after the jump. Driving it back to my driveway the car felt like it was running on one cylinder. Giving it lots of gas I made it back to my driveway going about 5-10 mph. Then it died in the driveway. Charged the battery and got it started fine again, but I didn't take the cay out. Now it won't turnover.
I'm thinking it'* not the battery since my car died in the driveway still running after a good jump and charging. Maybe a voltage regulator, but can i replace that myself since it'* build into the alternator?
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Almost 100% sure it'* the alternator/ voltage regulator. I've replaced mine twice. And have been told it'* underdesigned. And no don't try to replace the regulator yourself. Buy new or find a reputable rebuilder. mine was rebuilt for 60 bucks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by fuddyduddy121
Classic bad alternator signs.
If the battery was bad, the car would not start.
If the battery was bad, the car would not start.
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 2
From: Brewerton NY
Originally Posted by twilight_sentinel
Originally Posted by fuddyduddy121
Classic bad alternator signs.
If the battery was bad, the car would not start.
If the battery was bad, the car would not start.
Jay
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,392
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by twilight_sentinel
Originally Posted by fuddyduddy121
Classic bad alternator signs.
If the battery was bad, the car would not start.
If the battery was bad, the car would not start.
Yes, if a battery was getting close to the end of its life, you may be able to charge it enough to start the car only once, even with a good alternator. But a battery with a dead cell will not start the car.
However when the engine is running, if you had the above battery case, the alternator should hold the car at the proper voltage while running. That'* why I believe your alternator is bad.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I belive you are right about the alt. If it wasn't bad it should be able to keep the car running, hoever I had the alternator replacede about 4 years ago and I believe it should last londer that that since I've had so many other problems with this car(which I will mention if I have to, yet none have to deal with the electicical system).
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,392
Likes: 3
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 13
As a general rule of thumb, replace the battery and alternator together. They can kill each other. www.domesticperformance.com has improved alternators for us.