Is This a Ground Wire Issue?

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Jan 28, 2009 | 07:08 AM

SuperCoupe400

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Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: MI

Is This a Ground Wire Issue?

This morning my radio crackled in and out whenever I tapped the brakes, wipers moved at a snails pace, and window motors almost wouldn't move. I had my heated seat on, rear window defrost and front window defog running at the same time. I figured something was up, so I turned the radio and a couple other things off to try and lower the electrical load. When I went to turn the radio back on it powered itself off after about 3 seconds and wouldn't come back.

Next thing I know (about two miles down the road) I've got full power back to everything. Wipers are going strong and radio is back up.

I've got minimal corrosion built up around the negative terminal and my alternater is not even 3 years old (leaky p.s. pump replaced same time, btw).

Does this sound like a ground wire issue? And if so, how much wire are we talking about being replaced? Is there more ground wire than just the one going from the battery to the frame?

Thanks

Jan 28, 2009 | 09:20 AM

1FSTV8

Driver

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: ny

Just to save yourself ALLOT of money down the road , check your alternator it might be going.

Jan 28, 2009 | 10:18 AM

Enigma8246

Lead Lap

Joined: Sep 2007

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From: 501

I'd check ground wire to alternator first. If thats solid, it's probably your alternator.

Jan 28, 2009 | 10:33 AM

Saxxcs1

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 18

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From: Texas

make sure your battery terminals are lead, the lady i bought my car from had copper terminals installed and the car ran like crap until i replaced them.

otherwise yeah get your alternator tested.

electrical problems are FUN!

Jan 28, 2009 | 10:40 AM

ConSynX

Lexus Test Driver

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From: PA

were you driving in wet/snow?
just curious.

Jan 28, 2009 | 10:50 AM

SuperCoupe400

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From: MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConSynX

were you driving in wet/snow?
just curious.

yeah. Brand new wet snow. About 2 inches.

Jan 28, 2009 | 10:57 AM

SuperCoupe400

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From: MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxxcs1

I'll check that.

I sure hope it's not the alt though. That's the LAST thing I need right now in the middle of these 12-degree days, is to be out trying to swap an alternator. Last time I did it I had gorgeous 78-degree sunny weather. There's nothng like trying to do a job like that in the low-light confines of a stinkin' home garage having to run in every 20minutes to warm the digits. This thing's guaranteed to take me at least 50% longer than normal.

Is there a brand of alternator I should be trying to get over others? Because the one I've got now is just some rebuilt unit from my local import parts place. It shouldn't be dying this soon.