1986 Pontiac Firebird Charging System

Hey James,

I have done voltage tests at the battery and I have done voltage tests, with everything turned on. The charging system still goes below 13.0 and does not return to 13.0. With all off and idling, the volts will barely come back to 13.0. I have done all this repeatly over and over and cannot seem to find the problem. What else do I need to do or check? Like I said, I have replaced battery and alternator together so many times and it seems to do the same thing, after short period of time. I don't know, if there was a issue problem with the firebirds around that time or not, that had this problem. Something is drawing the current down. By the way, I have replaced the Starter a couple of times as well. All connections are tight and snug. I sure hope you know the problem I am facing with this issue. Thanks

Hey James,

The Batteries I changed were quite new, but for some, the plates shorted out inside. The Alternaters, the regulator inside went bad. Again, changed these out, sometimes together and sometimes separate. These parts were quite new. Thats why, I thought it was very odd, that this woud keep happening all the time. On the gauge in the car, the indicater showed the charging rate at 13.0 amps. At times, the indicater would dip way down to 9.0 amps and shoot right back up to 13.0. When I turn on the heater fan and lights, the indicter would dip to 11.0 amps and while running down the road, the indicater would not return to 13.0 amps. For some apparent reason the amp gauge would not get past 13.0 amps. What would draw the power down or possibly short the battery and Alternater out? I know there is not to much to a charging system and this is very puzzling. Are there any fusible links in the charging system, in this year of car? James, are we overlooking something vey small, that would do all this? I am still racking my brain. I want to also Thank you for helping me with this nightmare. Ozzy

Hey again James and a Happy Thanksgiving,

Well, I changed out the negative battery cable, including the one to the body. Still there was no change. I do have a defroster but it is not hooked up. I do not have a fax but I do have a cell phone number, which I will give you, incase you need it: 912-507-2455. James, I checked the positive cable and it is fine. Like I said before, I know there is not much to the charging system. After I installed the battery cable, I fired up the car and it still stayed at 13.0. I then turned on headlights and ac, with full high fan and it still dropped, with very little recovery to even 13.0. Is there anything my car can be hooked up to, that can pin point the exact problem to this mystery and I mean exact? This includes wiring, ground, fusible links, etc. I do appreicate you helping me with this. Ozzy

Hey James,

Ok, I used the Voltmeter at the alternater and it read 14.2. I turned on the ac and headlights and it still was at 14.2, which is normal reading. Now, I am thinking, the gauge on the dash is incorrect. Found out something else. I have a power amp for my sound system, which is a 1000w power amp. I was told, that your alternater couldnt handle all that and the regulator was burning up. Is this all true? I was told also to get a digital meter for my dash, for more accurate reading and if this is correct, what is good good brand? I was also told to get a alternater with higher output. If this is correct, what should I get? I will be awaiting your reply and thanks James. Ozzy