Short problem for electrical gurus
 

hopefully someone can help me diagnose where this short is occurring. This short will kill my battery in short time and seems to have a few unique characteristics.

The alternator is charging fine and the battery is good
When i step on the brake i get a brake light on the dash intermittently.
The power to the ignition switch will short out and my car will essentially act like i have turned the ignition into the off position while the motor is running (turning my headlights/radio off etc)

Somehow this is not allowing the alternator current to reach my battery.

any clues are greatly appreciated

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

correction advanced auto parts said my alternator was charging fine but on the vehicle it only seems to maintain 11v and it will steadily drop from 9.4v slowly with accessories on.....

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

Did you have them check your battery if it holds a charge?
Did you check your cables between the alternator and battery?
Did you check your brake fluid?

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

At what points was this measured?

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

When it stops, will it restart again straight away?

Harvey.

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

yes. my radio and dash lights would turn on and off while driving as the battery got extremely low. After replacing the alternator I have not had any problems but there may be something that needs to be worked out. My grounds and power cables are in excellent shape and has been recently replaced.

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

alternator post to engine ground

Re: Short problem for electrical gurus
 

Advanced Auto tested my BMW alternator and also said it was "OK"...NOT !!