Voltage loss, then car dies.

[Rczop2]

OK, I can start the car after charging the battery for some time, or by jump starting it. This is the problem, it will run for a short period of time and I can watch the voltage on my turbo timer drop from 14.5v rapidly to 10v before it dies. I have replaced the alternator with THREE differnt units just to be sure it isn't that. This is the second battery also. I have gone and unplogged most of the power accessories to see if there is too much draw somewhere but that has not helped. Has anyone else ever experienced or heard of this? This is a 90T auto to 5spd conversion car.

 

[Nick M]

Take a look at the EWD. See what all is in the charging circuit.

 

[gixxer750]

short somewhere.....take it to a parts store, have it put on a charging system diagnostic machine...

That may give you an idea of where to start. How long does it take to go to 10V from 14.5?

 

[Rczop2]

It depends on how charged the battery is. If its fully charged, maybe 10-15 mins. If its been sitting for a while and its just been jump started, it will die within 2-5 mins. If I leave it on jumper cables to my 4runner, it will stay running, but it is still running only about 11.8 to 12.5 v at idle.

 

[Nick M]

A brand new batttery will last longer than 10-15 minutes. There is quite a bit of info you are leaving out. Not nesacarrily on purpose. Something is missing.

 

[diy guy]

^ it means the car is running off the battery only, not getting charge from the alt.

i've had a similar problem and it turned out to be a bad connection at the alternator. check its ground and the wire coming from it.

 

[87supraman]

I would also check your body to engine grounds