I am having a problem with my car and my local garage is baffled too...

The problem is that I am losing power as displayed on the battery gage. Have change the battery, no improvement. Then figured it was the alternator replaced that, no improvement, then figured it was faulty still no success, so put the old one back in and replace the grounding wire and on board computer, and still the problem remains.

the faster I go, the more RPMs I generated the better the gage on the battery reads, but when in traffic and rpms are slowed the gage dips below "13" and heads into the red.

This mainly occurs when when I put on the A/C.

The mechanics at the garage have traced down all wires and are stumped.

PLEASE HELP. CAN'T ENJOY LONG DRIVES

 

and you've put a tester on it to show that your guage is accurate??

could be a short in the AC if it only happens when thats on.

 

Did you put in a brand new battery? Checked the voltage with a digital meter? Sounds like the alt, but I'd get the battery load tested first just so you can eliminate it.

 

Hello and welcome here.

My first thought about your problem is the serpentine belt. I know you should be hearing it slip but I still have to ask.

If the belt isn't slipping then there are procedures that trace power drains and such. I know my cheap repair manuals (Haynes and Chilton) have wiring trouble shooting sections in them and they describe how to isolate circuits to be tested. If you are stumped then its time to find a shop that specializes in automotive wiring. I know there are at least two shops in my locale that are known for working on that sort of trouble. You might want to check the phone book if all else fails.

 

Yes the mechanics at the garage have tested the guage, it is accurate.
No short in the AC because it also happens with the defroster on high too, - it seems when it goes on HIGH the power loses out, and the car basically saying F U when it comes to replacing the power, barely charging.

 

Yes the battery was changed twice, and the voltage was checked 5 times, the alt was replaced twice and no improvement the problem still exists.

Even changed the on board computer.

 

First, thanks for the welcome. I am not a mechanical whiz, I am just a driver, of an automatic Camaro SS 2002, the belt is fine, and the mechanics at my local garage have traced all power drains. Most likely will take it to a dealer pay high end dealer costs, and not get my car back for 3 weeks. So will be taking the bus. So depressed.

 

Did you buy this car new? Sounds like a classic symptom of underdrive pulleys on the serp. drive system. Slows down the alt, PS, etc. to improve power. Just something you have to live with usually.

 

Yes I brought the car brand new, 5 miles on it when purchased.

Live with it? HUH, so basically a $30,000 dollar now sits in the driveway to never to drive it again. I will spend the money like any other Camaro owner would to fix it. Is the underdrive pulleys on the serp drive system consider part of the power train? Because I have a 7 year warranty on that.

 

An underdrive pulley is an aftermarket item. If you didn't install one, it doesn't have one.

 

This will work out like everything else but you need to find a competent shop. If the mechanics at your local garage are stumped then they have just been guessing. This is evident because they are replacing parts that don't need replacing. There are methods to isolate and monitor the current load on each specific circuit. the alternator should be able to keep up unless the short is overwhelming. A dealership has certified, trained mechanics with equipment and resources that make them able to find problems like yours in a short period of time. That's why people bite the bullet and go with them. The shop rate is high but they have procedures that isolate the problem and all but eliminate the guessing. I truly wish you the best on this. I have known the stress and the helpless feeling. Please let us know how this turns out....

 

OK, we can nix the underdrive pulleys. On the new GM cars the voltage regulator is a real oddball setup. Not just a gizmo in the alternator like the old models, but a complex circuit that monitors temp. and other things. Not sure if the 02 actually has this deal, but if so, a trip to the dealer with a scan and reprogram would probably fix this for reasonable money. Reasonable being a second mortgage on the house and your first born. Just kidding - I hope. Have you inquired on other forums on this problem? Maybe www.ls1.com

 

how many miles are on the car currently?