Voltmeter drops to zero then comes back?
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2023 7:52 pm
2001 SLE, 95k miles, original alternator, 1.5 year old battery with clean tight connections, no check engine lights, no codes.
Started up as usual after sitting all day in 95° work parking lot, A/C & fan on of course.
After driving maybe two minutes the engine hesitated and faltered, dash lights dimmed and the voltmeter dropped to zero. The engine didn’t die and after maybe two seconds the voltmeter jumped back to normal around 14.
I turned off the A/C, fan & radio, put down the windows and continued home.
Five minutes later at higher speed it happened again; engine faltered, dash lights dimmed, voltmeter dropped to zero for two seconds then bounced back.
Made it home after another 20 minutes.
Car’s been sitting for a few days, started and idled a few times in the garage but hasn’t acted up.
I’ll drive the truck until I can diagnose and fix the Bonneville.
I’m wondering if the voltage regulator in the alternator is about to die? Any ideas?
Started up as usual after sitting all day in 95° work parking lot, A/C & fan on of course.
After driving maybe two minutes the engine hesitated and faltered, dash lights dimmed and the voltmeter dropped to zero. The engine didn’t die and after maybe two seconds the voltmeter jumped back to normal around 14.
I turned off the A/C, fan & radio, put down the windows and continued home.
Five minutes later at higher speed it happened again; engine faltered, dash lights dimmed, voltmeter dropped to zero for two seconds then bounced back.
Made it home after another 20 minutes.
Car’s been sitting for a few days, started and idled a few times in the garage but hasn’t acted up.
I’ll drive the truck until I can diagnose and fix the Bonneville.
I’m wondering if the voltage regulator in the alternator is about to die? Any ideas?