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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 58
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Charging Question
Hi,
Looks like I have another problem with my 86 944. My volts are showing low (12V) on my volt guage. Checked it, and our machine at work says the alternator is putting out 0 volts. I work as a shop foreman for big trucks (Semis.) How do I make sure its an alternator, and not something else? I'd like to not spend another $200 if i don't have to. I gotta tell you...I like my 944....but I am starting to really miss my 325is. I think this thing is worse for "needing stuff" than my old MGB. Thanks in Advance
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86 Porsche 944 NA Guards Red 89 BMW 325is (Euro Spec) Red (SOLD) 04 Triumph Bonneville America MC |
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Registered
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 429
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Re: Charging Question
If the car is drivable you may just have a case of poor grounding. Cleaning the grounds will make every thing work better so do your self a favour and do a search on "grounds" on this site. Some of the post will discribe where to find them, clean them up and see what happens.
Your brushes on the voltage regulator which is on the alternator could be worn out as well. You can buy replacement for under $20, haynes manual tells you the steps how to replace that.
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Mark '86 944NA '10 VW Golf 2.5 5sp '99 BMW 540i Sport Wagon |
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,327
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see if the alt lite comes on when the key is on, if not the bulb could be bad, which affects charging or it could be an alt/reg/grounding problem.
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87 951, K27/6, Almond Beige, 17" Turbotwist 87 944S, alpine white, 5sp died a violent death 84 944, silver/brown, auto, gone but not forgotten "may the force be with you" |
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Registered
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I check my alternator with an amp gauge. But you can take it off and have it tested at your local auto parts store. I also liked bearone2 suggestion of checking the alternator light. I hadn't thought of that. Other things to check is the starter solenoid connection to make sure all those wires are clean and coated with dielectric grease. Using an ohm meter check the continuity between the alternator housing and the negative battery terminal. Digital meter should read 0...if not search for dirty grounds.
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Tom 1990 944S2 Cabriolet 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 2003 Maroon Ford F350 dually |
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 58
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Thanks for all the responses.
The car just barely made it home tonight. The red light at the bottom of the guage does work. By the time I pulled into the parking lot at my condo, the voltmeter was registering 10 volts. I'm surprised it didn't dump me on the highway on the way home. Of course, as can be expected. The car will not start. I ordered an new alternator. Now I just have to find the time to put in in when I get it. At least I have a motorcycle to ride to work. Pray for sunshine. ![]()
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86 Porsche 944 NA Guards Red 89 BMW 325is (Euro Spec) Red (SOLD) 04 Triumph Bonneville America MC |
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