What the hell is going on???

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So i have a new alt, new red top battery but today the strangest thing happened. I was driving back from Hartford, CT with my lights, radio, and heater going. Sometimes when i have all that on my radio cuts out, as if it is drawing too much power or something...very strange. So i stop to take a piss and when i get back in to start it the battery is completely dead.

My first question is, if the battery is dead and the atl is not charging will the truck still run?

My second question is, could it be the voltage reg? That is the only thing i have not changed out.

all the wiring has been redone and worked fine for a year or two...
 
Must be the regulator unless you have other doubts about the replacement parts.........

By the way, what you running?? stock.. chevy??
 
My first question is, if the battery is dead and the atl is not charging will the truck still run?

If you completely charge the battery, assuming it is good, it will run until you discharge the battery to about 9V output. Then it dies. Points ignition will run at a lower voltage than electronic. 9V is the minimum for most electronics.

Turn off the radio....ya girl.;)

Ed

Is that Burt Lancaster in your avi?
 
If you completely charge the battery, assuming it is good, it will run until you discharge the battery to about 9V output. Then it dies. Points ignition will run at a lower voltage than electronic. 9V is the minimum for most electronics.

Turn off the radio....ya girl.;)

Ed

Is that Burt Lancaster in your avi?
that is what is confusing. Why would my truck essentially run fine but then be completely dead when i tried to start it 2 minutes later.
 
that is what is confusing. Why would my truck essentially run fine but then be completely dead when i tried to start it 2 minutes later.

Because it will run on less that 12V, but not start on less than 12V? What "Upgraded distributor?"
Measure across the battery terminals with a voltmeter and see if you are getting 14.2V, if not you are probably constantly draining the battery so check the alternator and VR.
 
Because it will run on less that 12V, but not start on less than 12V? What "Upgraded distributor?"
Measure across the battery terminals with a voltmeter and see if you are getting 14.2V, if not you are probably constantly draining the battery so check the alternator and VR.
nonusa distributor..

I'll see if i can get a new VR today. Do you my LC would carry something like that??
 
nonusa distributor..

I'll see if i can get a new VR today. Do you my LC would carry something like that??

Before you go replacing parts, go to any auto shop that sells batteries. They have a tester that they can clamp on the terminals with engine on and engine off. It will test the battery and charging system. They usually don't charge anything in hopes of selling you a battery.
IF it is the VR, there are several threads about replacing the points-type VR with a solid state design. Mine is off of some Chrysler product and was cheap compared to the OEM part.

GL

Ed
 
Before you go replacing parts, go to any auto shop that sells batteries. They have a tester that they can clamp on the terminals with engine on and engine off. It will test the battery and charging system. They usually don't charge anything in hopes of selling you a battery.
IF it is the VR, there are several threads about replacing the points-type VR with a solid state design. Mine is off of some Chrysler product and was cheap compared to the OEM part.

GL

Ed
so i need to pick a VR up today. Anyone know of a part number at NAPA that i can pick up a SS VR?
 
Before you go replacing parts, go to any auto shop that sells batteries. They have a tester that they can clamp on the terminals with engine on and engine off. It will test the battery and charging system. They usually don't charge anything in hopes of selling you a battery.
IF it is the VR, there are several threads about replacing the points-type VR with a solid state design. Mine is off of some Chrysler product and was cheap compared to the OEM part.

GL

Ed

so i need to pick a VR up today. Anyone know of a part number at NAPA that i can pick up a SS VR?

Okay, go buy some parts;) Let me know how it works out for you.

Ed
 
ok, a couple of questions. When i had my wiring redone i am not sure if the VR was replaced with a SS. Here is a picture of it. Also what is the blue wire that is not connected??

in the second picture what and where is that connection suppose to go?? It comes off the loom that connects into the starter...??
IMG00002-20090207-0957.webp
IMG00003-20090207-0959.webp
 
helloooooo.....i've already had it tested. Battery is fine and alt is fine...


Scrolling back through the thread................guess I just missed that part:rolleyes:

Look back at the thread I linked and you'll find lotsa part numbers:flipoff2:

Ed;)
 
ok, so i picked up another VR and it is an upgraded SS that of all places Autozone had in stock!!!!! I still dont know what that blue wire coming off the pig tail is...ground??? if you look at the first photo you see a red wire attached to the left side screw. Is that the ground, if not do i need to ground using that blue wire?

if you look at this new photo notice the 5 metal female connectors...is there suppose to be a sixth?? This is the plug coming off the loom...

i do think i have a bad ground somewhere b/c my passenger side headlight is dimmer than the driverside..

i need some help people.....help i say...
IMG00004-20090207-1709 copy.webp
 
Do you have a FSM for your year/month of production? That might be a good starting place. Oh, and you are funnier in Chat than in Tech;):flipoff2:
 

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