Low voltage at idle/ in general NEED HELP!!!!

[dirtye30 10+ year member]

well, my 1989 camaro rs, 350 TBI is having a voltage problem.i noticed it when my aps would go int protect from low volatage. so i figure i need a new alt. i get the new 195 amp HO alt and it doesnt help. so i buy a redtop, no change still. my car idles at 11.2 volts at about 900-1000rpm WITH NO ACCESSORIES RUNNING and while driving its around 13.7 volts. i also have the big three done in 0AWG. anybody know what the problem can be? ive spent numerous hours at countless shops and none of us can figure it out. i dont think im forgetting any syptoms but any questions feel free to ask. PLEASE HELP!!! im thinking the its the alt still somehow... if you think its not and your info solves the problem, $15 paypal to you!!!!

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[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

It's something staying on in your car i just had this problem except i was running accesories which was my fog light's but something is staying on and causing your voltage the run low i would say check all wiring and pull system wires see what your voltage is then

 

[dirtye30 10+ year member]

there are no accesories on. no fuse in the power wire to my audio system. something with a low current drain would not cause my battery to run 3 volts lower than it should when running. the battery is at 12.4 volts when the car is off.

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

did you try charging your battery?

 

[dirtye30 10+ year member]

did you try charging your battery?

yeah its a brand new redtop. the battery before it was an autozone battery. same problem. like i said the battery is at 12.4 volts at rest.

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

hmm.......that's wierd did you test your voltage off the alt?

 

[msujeepaholic 10+ year member]

External voltage regulator? My Jeep does that and I believe my voltage regulator is bad.

 

[dirtye30 10+ year member]

external voltage regulator was brought up one other time. ill have to look into that. voltage is being tested with a DMM at the battery also seen on the Epic 160 Volt meter and the vehicles stock analog volt meter.

Edit: just talked to autozone, they said theres no external voltage reg available for my vehicle.

Edit 2: the alt was load tested at a local autozone. it came up Good.

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

pulled the voltage regulator and have that checked.

 

[msujeepaholic 10+ year member]

Yea definitely check the voltage regulator ASAP

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

yeah voltage regulator usually one of the tip's on it burn out either that or check the wiring that also goes to it.

 

[dirtye30 10+ year member]

how should i check the voltage reg? its a GM 3 wire alt.

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

well your voltage regulator is usually on the side of your fire wall pull it off and you can either check it yourself or have it tested.

 

[iamamp3pimp 5,000+ posts]

turn up your idle a little

 

[dirtye30 10+ year member]

well your voltage regulator is usually on the side of your fire wall pull it off and you can either check it yourself or have it tested.

yes i know where and what it is but how am i supposed to see if its good?