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  #1  
Old 06-06-2013, 04:17 PM
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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
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  #2  
Old 06-06-2013, 06:39 PM
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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.....
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  #3  
Old 06-06-2013, 08:02 PM
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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?
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Last edited by dannmarr; 06-06-2013 at 08:04 PM.
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  #4  
Old 06-06-2013, 09:00 PM
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Re: Short problem for electrical gurus

Quote:
Originally Posted by jman050 View Post
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.....
At what points was this measured?
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Old 06-06-2013, 09:01 PM
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Re: Short problem for electrical gurus

Quote:
Originally Posted by jman050 View Post
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
When it stops, will it restart again straight away?

Harvey.
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  #6  
Old 06-09-2013, 08:49 PM
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Re: Short problem for electrical gurus

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Originally Posted by oab_au View Post
When it stops, will it restart again straight away?

Harvey.
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.
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  #7  
Old 06-09-2013, 08:50 PM
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Re: Short problem for electrical gurus

Quote:
Originally Posted by icingdeath88 View Post
At what points was this measured?
alternator post to engine ground
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  #8  
Old 06-20-2013, 05:52 AM
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Re: Short problem for electrical gurus

Quote:
Originally Posted by jman050 View Post
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.....
Advanced Auto tested my BMW alternator and also said it was "OK"...NOT !!
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