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Car Forum / Pontiac / Pontiac Cars / December 2008

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95 Grand Am GT -electrical

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QUAKEnSHAKE - 03 Dec 2008 20:59 GMT
Hi
Having an issue with voltage varying. When first start vehicle for the
day (only cold days sub 40) the voltage will go up-down-up-down. This
happens for like the first 20 minutes or so, lights flicker and such
then it seems after thngs have warmed-up it wont do it anymore. If the
car isnt use again for a few hours this happens again.

Go back to last winter.
Now I have had it in for this. Once they said it was the battery well
$130 later issue still there. 2nd time in they said Alternator so $200
later issue still there.
Went all spring/summer/fall without this happening but the COLD weather
is back and so is this issue.

Any hint tips opinions on what else to have checked?
THANKS
Ray
Commuter - 05 Dec 2008 14:51 GMT
Assuming that the voltage varying is not a result of a looping idle, this is
my advice.Cars of this age start to have problems with electrical
connections. What you need to do is disconnect the battery. Where ever there
are wire terminals bolted to something like the starter, alternator and the
many grounding points is remove the bolt or nut and clean the terminal. I
like to solvent clean first then polish off the tarnish with 1500 or finer
sand paper. Clean the contact point on the stud also.
There are grounds under the carpet under the seats too. These are probably
ok unless the carpet gets wet.

You may want to start with the battery cables. Make sure that the contact
point to the battery is clean. I have seen them very rusted. If too bad just
replace them.

It may help to clean the connectors. To do this, open the connector and
spray with a penetrating oil like wd40 or lps. Then seat the connector and
remove several times. Blast the oil out with compressed air. Spray again and
repeat. There are many connectors so use judgment as to what you think may
be causing problems.

> Hi
>  Having an issue with voltage varying. When first start vehicle for the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> THANKS
> Ray
Chevguy - 06 Dec 2008 07:00 GMT
> Hi
> Having an issue with voltage varying. When first start vehicle for the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> THANKS
> Ray

Would check the alternator. Rebuilds are notorious for failure, especially
in that series of cars. The fact that the alternator is tucked in the back
doesn't allow there to be proper cooling for it. A friend of mine would only
get about 6 months out of an alternator. I have only ever done mine once. I
took mine in to a reputable starter/alternator rebuilder. He used silver
solder to handle the heat better, and if there is a prob, he stands behind
his work, instead of giving me another mystery reman.
 
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