Not Mopar, Chevy Alternator driving me nuts...

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sat Mar 01, 08 8:31 pm

So here's the story.
Bought Camaro not running right, thought it would be quite an easy fix. Big job was clutch, sent to local garage for change. On collection alternator not working and voltmeter at bottom of gauge. Had to use as no other car so battery charged. On way to garage gauges stopped, fuse blown and replaced. Car would not start and finally did but with backfires. Sent for Engine Temp Sensor, O2 sensor, plugs, HT Leads, air filters and alternator.
Now car running fine but still not charging the battery. I've measured across the alternator and am getting 11 volts but only 10 at the battery. Tried putting a jump lead on the connection but no change.
Please help!
I've been using the Dart everyday, it's fine but I'm using too much petrol. Heavy Right Foot on these lovely Scottish roads!!

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Sun Mar 02, 08 12:13 am

voltage reg?

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 02, 08 12:20 am

Is it a one wire or three wire alternator ?

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 02, 08 3:38 am

obvious but check that you can't turn the alternator by hand within the belt, maybe they broke the alternator (ran battery flat, had to jump start it, connected it wrong etc..)

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 02, 08 10:56 am

Guys, here's what I've found so far...

Can't turn Alternator by hand whilst belt is engaged.

It's got 1 plug with 3 wires coming out

Voltage reg...Can't find one. No mention in Haynes. Battery wire and Alternator wire meet at an junction, made of plastic and you can see the join. Hmm.

The self diagnosis thingy says "No reference pulses to Electronic Control Module (ECM)."

So I guess I've got to find that under the dash. Bugger.

charger01 · Post by **charger01** » Sun Mar 02, 08 12:23 pm

You will find that on the passenger side under the dash. Had similar problems when I had a 89 IROC 5.7 That turned out to be the computer. Swapped it out with a new one & it was fine after.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 02, 08 1:01 pm

autoholic wrote:Guys, here's what I've found so far...

Can't turn Alternator by hand whilst belt is engaged.

It's got 1 plug with 3 wires coming out

Voltage reg...Can't find one. No mention in Haynes. Battery wire and Alternator wire meet at an junction, made of plastic and you can see the join. Hmm.

The self diagnosis thingy says "No reference pulses to Electronic Control Module (ECM)."

So I guess I've got to find that under the dash. Bugger.

The regulator is inside the alternator

See if any of this helps you.

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

Reset the codes on the ECM and try again. 'No reference pulses' inplies a signal from a sensor to the ECM rather than a voltage problem from the alternator. Alternatively, try any of the Third Gen forums.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 02, 08 1:23 pm

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581540

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/archive ... /f-20.html

http://www.z28.com/forum/archive/index.php/f-75.html

http://www.z28.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-46190.html

http://sethirdgen.org/cs144.htm

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/elect ... iring.html

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 02, 08 9:19 pm

I've tried resetting the fault codes but it comes back the same.

Thanks Sandy, you've been very busy, I really appreciate it mate.