97 camaro charging problems

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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=9266
Printed Date: July 16, 2025 at 7:03 AM

Topic: 97 camaro charging problems

Posted By: bobs94
Subject: 97 camaro charging problems
Date Posted: February 09, 2003 at 9:30 AM

I have a 97 camaro with a v6. During acceleration my lights dim because the voltage drops to 12.5 volts. This also happens when the bass hits. I have replaced the alternater (105 amps) and have 2 batteries, which should be more than enough power to run my headlights. It almost seems like if I put any strain on my charging systems the alternater just quits until the strain is stopped. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: February 09, 2003 at 9:42 AM

Have you upgraded the grounding strap to the electrical system at all ?? Ty this and get back to us.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: bobs94
Date Posted: February 11, 2003 at 3:49 PM

I tried the ground idea, but I still have the same problem. I put a 4ga wire from the alternater cage to the chasis, and from the same point on the chasis to the negative side of the battery. I also ran 4ga from battery stud on the alternater to the positive side of the battery. By the way, this problem was occuring before I ever started altering anything. Any other suggetions?

Posted By: tom cat
Date Posted: February 13, 2003 at 12:05 PM

try adding a cap this should help posted_image

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tom cat

Posted By: TomEllis
Date Posted: February 13, 2003 at 12:49 PM

How tight is the belt? Does the belt squeal?

have you checked the grounding inside the cab of the vehicle?

Where are you measuring the alternator going to 12.5 volts?

Check the battery connection at the battery for corrosion and a tight connection.

This is what I would do to check the system out. Check and clean ALL battery connections and grounds. With a voltmeter, check the battery voltage. Start the car and check the battery voltage again (at this point it should be around 14.4 volts), turn on the headlights and check the voltage again (it should NOT change from 14.4 volts) and while watching the voltmeter, rev the motor (the voltage should not change).

If all the above is fine with the voltmeter, then the bad connection is inside the dash area of the car.

If the above is NOT fine, then the problem is probably a bad wire in the engine compartment.

Good luck,

Tom

Posted By: bobs94
Date Posted: February 16, 2003 at 11:38 AM

All of my connections are fine. I removed everyone of them and made sure that there was no corrosion or paint in them. I also replaced the belt. This vehicle has an automatic belt tensioner which appears to be working fine. The voltage DOES drop when the motor is reved, whether in PARK or during acceleration. Both of my Optima batteries are showing between 12.7 and 12.9 volts with no connections to them. Is it possible that there may be a defect in this particular vehicle?