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My 89 SSE may or may not have a problem. While running, the voltage runs right around 13.9/14.0, pretty normal. The lights seem to be a really big draw. When i turn on the headlights, the volt meter dips for a split second but recovers. Same when i step on the brake. Well with the lights on, and the heater running if i step on the brakes the voltage will drop to 12.4 and stay low untill i let off the brake. I understand that the bake power assist is electric and high draw, but it still happens if i pull the ABS pump fuse. Voltage tests are within .15 volt of eachother when measured from the cigarette lighter, the power distribution lug on the firewall, the battery and the output on the alt.

I have replaced the alternator last winter and it is a 105A. The old one had a loud bearng but was the same way. I have cleaned the battery cables and checked connections. I know theres alot of lights and gismos on these cars, but enough to draw down a 105A altenator under normal conditons?

I would like to install a sereo system, but not on a marginal electrical system.

Any thoughts?

Your brake power assist is vacuum, not electronic, FYI.

00Beast wrote:Your brake power assist is vacuum, not electronic, FYI.

Nope. Its electric. Dont have a pic handy, but i am positive about it.

Edit: I got off my lazy but and took one. Its a bosch system and is a lousy excuse for an ABS. I wish i could trade it for a good old fashioned booster and master cylinder.

Ohhh, that's the setup that everyone b*tches about. My bad.

Are the battery cables in good condition and tightened down good? A loose or corroded battery cable could cause that.

They are in good shape and were tight at the battery. Its too dark to check the other end of the ground cable. In the morning.

Do these cars have a ground strap from the engine to the chasis?

my SSE was the same way, overall its kindanormal. These cars seem to have a underpowered, and chinsy electric system. I Changed to a 140amp alt from a 92+ SSEi and a larger battery, seemed to help quite a bit. i also replaced my battery cables as the ends werent corroded, but once i peeled back the cable cover, it was corroded all the way into the wire. (quite common)

Is that alternator a bolt in replacement? I have looked over all my cables and they are in fair-good shape. Im thinking about a little bigger battery buttha 140A alt sounds like a great upgrade. And thers quite a few ssei's in my local pick n pull.

yes it's a direct bolt on replacement. i cannot remember if all SSEi's had it, or not. hopefully someone will chime in with that info, or at least the RPO code to check on the parts car to verify.