1978 corvette

by Patty
(Erie,Pa USA)

I have a 1978 corvette I put a new battery and alternator in it and it won't keep a charge can someone help me? Thanks

Comments for 1978 corvette

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 18, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
BATTERY DRAIN NEW
by: JAN

MY BATTERY ON 1979 WAS GOING DEAD IN TWO WEEKS OF JUST SITTING IN GARAGE. TOOK IT TO SHOP THAT JUST DEALT WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THEY FOUND THAT THE BUZZER MODULE WAS CONSTANTLY DRAWING A LITTLE POWER. COULDN'T FIND REPLACEMENT SO JUST PULLED IT. FIXED THE DEAD BATTERY PROBLEM.

Oct 18, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
NO CHARGE *
by: Auto Appraiser * Ned

Hello, an alternator must first be fed by 12 volts before it can put out a charge.... when running usually 14.2 volts. check with a voltage meter the heavier red wire that runs to the backside of the alternator. (not the double plug wiring)***if it is live **has 12 volts or not? if it does not have 12 volts going to the alternator then that wire is bad somewhere along the way? this wire feeds the alternator 12 volts when you turn on your key....then start the vehicle and see how many volts it has ? charging more than 12 or not?
If no charging...take the alternator to an auto store and re-test it OFF the vehicle. Just because it is new...does not mean the internal voltage regulator is good? any spark of the wires while installing this alternator could blow the regulator with an electrical surge? therefore ruining the new alternator. let me know what happens if this works and can help diagnose from here? Thanks Auto Appraiser *Ned

Oct 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
1978 vette
by: Patty

Thanks will do that..

Oct 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Pull fuses
by: Anonymous

You need to place an ammeter in line with the battery to positive cable and start pulling fuses. Once you find the circuit causing the discharge you will need to inspect all the wires that carry a charge at all times. This would be items that are not turned on with the key but are hot at all times. The alternator lead would be a good place to start. Just disconnect that and read the meter and see if it improved. You could have Diodes leaking!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to C3 Corvette Ask!.
























Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman

Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally. 

"This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris.  He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow. 

He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.

Note: Some links on this page are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews.  We are not paid to perform the reviews or are we given any products for free.  

You might like these