problem with 04 cavalier

I always enjoy hearing the screwed up reasons that some people blame a problem on. I have learned over the years, that a lot of these funny statements come from mechanics that really don't have a clue when it comes to electrical systems in vehicles. If the alternator wasn't working, the car would only last a hour or so at best until the battery was fully discharged. The problem is much more likely that the battery may have a draw on it. When the car comes in, use your volt meter to measure the battery voltage with the car running. It should be around 13-14 volts. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes. Measure the battery voltage after this (engine still off). The voltage should be around 12.5 volts. If either one of these readings is low, then you have a vehicle problem. If they are OK, then you need to hook your meter up inline in the battery circuit to check what the vehicle draw is. The draw shouldn't exceed 50 ma. If it does, then check the wiring of the remote starter and disconnect any of it's circuits to determine whether or not it is to blame.sparky

the alt will not do the job  rite if one electrical sys is short .

b-roy wrote: Pretty much inline with my own thoughts sparky, just wanted to toss out to the other minds on here. I recently had an alternator go in my own car and couldnt drive it 5 mins without it killing itself. Just outta curiousity sparky, who do you work for? Reason I ask is we have an installer with our company who is referred to as sparky...

If you work for Futureshop I know who you speak ofShaughn Murley

Install Manager, Dealer Services

Visions Electronics

Red Deer, Alberta