I noticed my camaro (1987 base model, 2.8 V6, 5-speed manual) has a battery drain problem. While engine is running battery seems to drain the whole time. Alternator is working because with dead bat will still keep running (idles waaaaay up though when drivetrain is disengaged through the clutch). I have a suspicion it may be the positive terminal connector not putting voltage from alt back into the battery as it's totally ****, rattling around in the boot, doesn't seem too connected to the cable, but the other day the problem spontaneously fixed itself as I accelerated hard up a hill and then within two days unfixed itself. If changing the ends of the cable to top post doesn't help, any other ideas where I might look?
Did you try checking voltage output/charging at battery, then revving engine a bit and holding it at a higher rpm than idle to see if it is charging then? Yes if you suspect a bad connection, then repair it for sure, but try this just to see. I forget what years, but at one point in time, a lot of alternators didn't charge until rpm's were increased. You checked voltage with lights, heater, etc on at idle didn't you, then with all that off, to see if alternator keeps up with accessories & drain?
Sounds like the voltage regulator is gone, or on it's way out. More than likely built in to your alternator. I'd pull it off & take it to autozone or wherever, have it tested, but be prepared to replace it. What happens to the engine when you disconnect the battery totally when running, does it die? Starting the engine is quite a drain on the battery, so that accounts for the voltage drop then, which is normal if battery not getting proper charging. Double check belt is tight.
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It seems to keep up but just barely. Interior lights are really dim, turn signal just goes on but doesn't click off and on like it should. Heater tends to really kill the battery. Dunno if this helps but voltage seems to really drop right after start up when the check engine light clicks on. It was weird when it fixed itself it shot up to about 13 on my voltimeter and sat there for about three days, then now it drops to like 9 or 10 and slowly drops into the red before hitting 8 and dying on me.
just bought its a beautiful car .just has problem *********** ..no heat all the fans work does run at temp i havent flushed it yet i want to check the dumb theory that they missed a couple connections
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