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Stranded AGAIN in hot parking lot - alternator? Posted by iveand [Email]  (#3155) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from iveand) on Mon, 8 Aug 2022 09:11:28
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I've been stranded several times in the last few years, only on hot days (first year only after using A/C for a long run before parking), but lately even w/ no A/C (currently disconnected for other reasons needing a full r&r but let's not get distracted with that now :-). The ONLY times it happens is when it is hot and I am out and about w/o tools and test equipment. Then I go pick it up a few hours later (cooler) or even later (next morning) and it starts fine so never get proper testing.
Autozon / Advanced Auto Parts guys have put on their tester and had me run it and they report that "everything seems OK" but it also isn't hot at the time. Here are some brief notes:
- Replaced the Voltage Regulator last year (old was was significantly worn, so I THOUGHT I had solved the problem until "stranded again"!
- Re-worked ground connection point behind radiator (with about 5-6 connections going to it). It was corroded so again I THOUGHT I had solved the problem until "stranded again"!
- Ground wire from alternator seemed suspect, possibly broken inside insulation, so replaced with a good solid 10AWG wire to intake manifold (and from there to the body inside fender. I THOUGHT I had solved the problem until "stranded again"!
- Cheap but newer battery from WalMart.
- Took apart the dash, traced wires from ignition to fender fuse panel, all seems in good shape.
I keep going back to the alternator: maybe in HEAT it is outputting less than it should, so when relatively "colder" it won't look problematic to auto parts smart testers they put on the battery. I don't see any battery light inside while running, and I DO see it when key is on but not running, so I think / assume the light is working correctly.
Here are some readings, if it helps. Or please let me know what other readings would be more helpful to better diagnose:
Car running (not hot but slightly warmed up), cool morning (today) about 11am:
NO AUX LOAD
-----------
* Alternator: 13.8 VDC
* Battery: 13.7 VDC
* Cigarette Lighter: 13.3 VDC
AUX LOAD (Bright lights, running lights, back defroster, radio, dome lights - again, sorry no A/C to test)
--------
* Alternator: 13.4 VDC
* Battery: 13.2 VDC
* Cigarette Lighter: 12.9 VDC
So with the load, my voltage at the dash (cig lighter) is below 13 VDC. Is this too low? In general how are these numbers, do you suspect anything with the alternator or other? I have tried to follow any accessible ground wires, etc. and all seem in good shape now. Willing to throw parts at this thing as getting stranded is getting "not fun" (plus now my wife won't drive it at all.... luckily our 240 Wagon is reliable :-)
Thanks for any guidance & advice,
iveand
posted by 96.42.64...
_______________________________________ 2006 9-3 Aero SC 2.8T 6-speed (current) 1990 900 SPG 2.0T 5-speed (current) 1985 900 2.0T 5-speed ("DOA" donor car) 1985 900 2.0T 4-door 5-speed (gifted to friend, RIP) 1996 900S 2.3L 5-speed (gifted to friend, RIP?)
, Mon, 8 Aug 2022 09:11:28 <-- Viewing This Message
, Mon, 8 Aug 2022 20:27:44, Mon, 8 Aug 2022 11:58:48, Mon, 8 Aug 2022 12:00:58, Mon, 8 Aug 2022 11:36:54, Mon, 8 Aug 2022 10:01:51, Tue, 9 Aug 2022 08:40:28, Tue, 9 Aug 2022 14:05:13, Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:55:23
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