I was outt cruising today and all the lectrical stuff started going out. The wipers were slow as hell, turn signals were slow and then wouldn't work at all (brake lights too)and the radio wasn't working, you could barely read the digital display. When I got home, I shut the car off and then tryed to start it again but it was dead. Somehow the car still ran though, I was expecting it to stall out.
My question is, what just went out on the car? Alternator or voltage regulator? The GEN light didn't light up once, but before this it's always been dimly lit.
I know the battery is fine, I replaced it a few months ago and I also replaced the rear light harness the other day so I don't think there could be a short.

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1970 Chevy Custom El Camino (http://www.dreamelectric.com)
Originally was & will be Green Mist & Silver w/Green Vinyl Top (now black)
350ci/300HP 4bbl & Dual Exhaust
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Team Chevelle Member #995

[This message has been edited by Shawn (edited 01-30-2002).]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mrsonny:
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Shawn:
This can be caused by any number of things. As you said, alt. or regulator but the starter motor can also cause this problem. You can spend a lot money and time replacing items that may not be bad. I would recommend that you go to your local garage and have them check the complete system out under load and find out what component is bad and then go to your local pep boys, kregan, etc. and buy the item and put it in. This way you are sure you got the bad item taken care of. I assume that you have cleaned you battery connectors, the ground both at the battery and at the chassis. Because you say the batt. goes down while you are driving, I would suspect the altenator. You can take this out and take it to your local auto supply and they should test it free for you...

Good luck...

Sonny

Check the output of the alternator to ground. Measure the large B+ terminal while the car is idling. Suspect that the voltage is closer to 12 volts than the 14.5 volts it should have. The dim idiot light shouldn't happen with a good alternator.

Battery connectors are clean, I replaced them a while ago because the old ones were chewed up, it's all grounded and I replaced the starter about a month ago(I hope it's not that)but I don't think that could drain the battery while driving could it? It's like the battery drains the same way it would if the car was off and you were sitting in it using the accessories. It's strange the car didn't die though, I've got an HEI in there too. I'll check out the alternator, where do I get a voltage tester? Radioshack?

Also, I suspect the alternator in there is the original, anyone know of a place that rebuilds these? Thanks

Radio Shack can sell you a meter. Most guys use a digital type because they are easier to read. There may be a local rebuilder around you. I've got a couple of small shops around me. If need be, you can always get another one and hang on to your original unit. If it is the original, it sure hung on for a long time.

Thanks John, I'll look into that and post back what was wrong. I'll probably pick up a Delco unit for now and like you said just put the old one aside.