Sudden voltage drops during driving
02-26-2014, 02:09 PM
#1
Sudden voltage drops during driving
Hello,
I picked up my new 280zx today. And when I was driving the first few km, I noticed the V-meter was pointing out 12V (which I know is rather low but could have been the meter) Then I was about 50km on the way and the V-meter was pointing out 10V.. So i started worrying and I kept looking at the V-meter regularly. And it kept steady at 10V but then again about 50km later the car starts sputtering, and the guy with me told it was backfiring too he liked it until we had to stop because the car stopped running.
The owner told me he had replaced the alternator once already but the car had been standing still for almost a year.
Any ideas? Often electrical leaks,.... etc
I picked up my new 280zx today. And when I was driving the first few km, I noticed the V-meter was pointing out 12V (which I know is rather low but could have been the meter) Then I was about 50km on the way and the V-meter was pointing out 10V.. So i started worrying and I kept looking at the V-meter regularly. And it kept steady at 10V but then again about 50km later the car starts sputtering, and the guy with me told it was backfiring too he liked it until we had to stop because the car stopped running.
The owner told me he had replaced the alternator once already but the car had been standing still for almost a year.
Any ideas? Often electrical leaks,.... etc
02-26-2014, 03:00 PM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,103
No 12v system can work for long on a 10v input. That isn't right and should not be allowed by you. Quickest 'free' check up is probably at your local we-want-to-sell-you-a-new-battery place. Ask them to check your battery at various loads and your alternator output too. They should use a hand-held meter and print out the numbers for you. Your system is not charging right. They could tell you which component isn't working right if they are good - or tell you to replace everything then and there. Bring your credit card.
02-26-2014, 04:51 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 302
1. Do not rely on the voltage gauge for accuracy. Get a decent meter.
2. You do not say what year your car is. I don't know if the wiring varied between years in the 280ZX, but looking at the correct wiring diagram could make it possible to give you an idea for diagnostics.
3. Check the condition of your fusible links for corrosion, etc. If resistance builds at the links, you won't get enough power downstream, and you could possibly see a voltage drop.
2. You do not say what year your car is. I don't know if the wiring varied between years in the 280ZX, but looking at the correct wiring diagram could make it possible to give you an idea for diagnostics.
3. Check the condition of your fusible links for corrosion, etc. If resistance builds at the links, you won't get enough power downstream, and you could possibly see a voltage drop.
02-27-2014, 12:39 AM
#4
1. Do not rely on the voltage gauge for accuracy. Get a decent meter.
2. You do not say what year your car is. I don't know if the wiring varied between years in the 280ZX, but looking at the correct wiring diagram could make it possible to give you an idea for diagnostics.
3. Check the condition of your fusible links for corrosion, etc. If resistance builds at the links, you won't get enough power downstream, and you could possibly see a voltage drop.
2. You do not say what year your car is. I don't know if the wiring varied between years in the 280ZX, but looking at the correct wiring diagram could make it possible to give you an idea for diagnostics.
3. Check the condition of your fusible links for corrosion, etc. If resistance builds at the links, you won't get enough power downstream, and you could possibly see a voltage drop.
It's an '81 2+2
02-27-2014, 12:56 AM
#5
But I'm quite aware the meter isn't fully accurate. But it just shows that the voltage doesn't go down smooth but sometimes just drops a few volts.
I'll be checking it myself anyway with a regular multi-meter. But I was just wondering if there where any often flaws in the electrical system of these cars
I'll be checking it myself anyway with a regular multi-meter. But I was just wondering if there where any often flaws in the electrical system of these cars
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