Starting question

USERNAME1

MEMBER
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

I have a 1997 chevy suburban 2500 4x4 with a 454 engine. It started when the car did not start and it acted like it had a dead battery but the radio and lights worked fine. I tried turning it over again and it started clicking and it started. When it sits overnight it acts the same. The starter and battery cables have since been changed but the problem still persists. The battery gauge in the dash shows a good battery charge. Incidently when the car was running I disconnected the positive battery terminal and the car shut off. Does this indicate a bad alternator?

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

This what you do-get a voltmeter follow intructions on it. Now read the battery voltage before you start it-record it-NOTE: it should be atleast 12.5volts or better. Now start it up-load the electrical system by turning On the headlights/heater on high-record the reading-it should read between 13.5 -15volts if the regulator doing its job. Required voltage not to specification. Double check all connections at battery and alternator. On some vehicles the computer controls the regulator to increase and decrease resistances to meet the charging system demands.

Removing a battery cable while engine in operation will produce an uncontrollable voltages that can harm the alternator. I strongly recommend that you get the alternator load tested