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Topic: Choke & Battery Indicators On

in Forum: C3 Electrical

Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/29/11 2:55pm Message 1 of 15
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe / Snowcrest White / L48, 350 / Comp Cam / Edelbrock Heads / Cyclone Intake / Holley Carb / Holley Fuel Pump / Patriot Headers / Dual Exhaust / Magnaflow Mufflers / 1964 Coupe / Riverside Red / L76, 327, 365hp

When I started my car today, both the "CHOKE" indicator and the battery icon would not go 'off'.  In addition, the car is charging at about 13 amps, whereas it normally is charging about midway between 13 and 18.

The car starts right-up with no problem but I have no idea what is causing this sudden issue.
 
Any help?
 
Thanks.



Chuck

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Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/29/11 7:02pm Message 2 of 15
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!

I had the same problem with my 81.   I had to replace the alternator and then the problems went away!!  Maybe you need to do that also!!  It was nice meeting you Chuck!!

DanBig smile



Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/29/11 7:55pm Message 3 of 15
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York, PA - USA
Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518
Vette(s): 1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top
Get the alternator checked may have a bad diode pack..you can just replace that if you want..real easy to do..and cheap..

Rich



My first parade at Carlisle 2010

Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 6:20am Message 4 of 15
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe / Snowcrest White / L48, 350 / Comp Cam / Edelbrock Heads / Cyclone Intake / Holley Carb / Holley Fuel Pump / Patriot Headers / Dual Exhaust / Magnaflow Mufflers / 1964 Coupe / Riverside Red / L76, 327, 365hp
Thanks for the tips guys. 
It was nice meeting everyone at MAM.  We had a great time.
 



Chuck

Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 6:42am Message 5 of 15
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Holland Patent, NY - USA
Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421
Vette(s): #1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Chuck, any major auto parts store can bench test it, just take it off and bring it to them.

I think you need to change your plate so they stop thinkin your car is a 81.......Wink

Evil Smileebo




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Evil Smileebo

Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 7:14am Message 6 of 15
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe / Snowcrest White / L48, 350 / Comp Cam / Edelbrock Heads / Cyclone Intake / Holley Carb / Holley Fuel Pump / Patriot Headers / Dual Exhaust / Magnaflow Mufflers / 1964 Coupe / Riverside Red / L76, 327, 365hp
[QUOTE=ebo]

Chuck, any major auto parts store can bench test it, just take it off and bring it to them.

I think you need to change your plate so they stop thinkin your car is a 81.......Wink

Evil Smileebo
[/QUOTE]
Ebo,
Thanks for the tip.  I think I will take your advice and change the plate to "80 COUPE".



Chuck

Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 7:39am Message 7 of 15
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
First check the connections at the alternator. If the plug, or the single red wire is loose, it can do this. Unplug the connector and re-connect it. Sometimes, they get a little corrosion, and can carry a little charge, but not a full current.
I've also seen blown fuses cause those lights to come on, as well as blown fuse-links.
Start with checking the connections and fuses, then test the alt...



Joel Adams
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Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 8:30am Message 8 of 15
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe / Snowcrest White / L48, 350 / Comp Cam / Edelbrock Heads / Cyclone Intake / Holley Carb / Holley Fuel Pump / Patriot Headers / Dual Exhaust / Magnaflow Mufflers / 1964 Coupe / Riverside Red / L76, 327, 365hp
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]First check the connections at the alternator. If the plug, or the single red wire is loose, it can do this. Unplug the connector and re-connect it. Sometimes, they get a little corrosion, and can carry a little charge, but not a full current.
I've also seen blown fuses cause those lights to come on, as well as blown fuse-links.
Start with checking the connections and fuses, then test the alt...
[/QUOTE]
Will do.
 
Thanks.



Chuck

Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 9:15am Message 9 of 15
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
The red wire at the back of the alt should have battery voltage at all times.  The red wire or white wire ( same thing ) on the alt plug should also have battery power at all times.  The smaller brown wire on the side plug will have limited power when plugged in with the key on, and 12 volts when unplugged.  This wire is from the dash fuse labled inst or gauges in most cases.   The alternator can self excite, like a single wire unit, and charge somewhat.  This backfeeds the fuse circuit and makes other things on the circuit operate when the fuse is blown.   And yes, it can be a bad alternator regulator, but that does not usually turn on the choke light.


Choke & Battery Indicators On

Posted: 5/30/11 10:40am Message 10 of 15
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Former Member
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe / Snowcrest White / L48, 350 / Comp Cam / Edelbrock Heads / Cyclone Intake / Holley Carb / Holley Fuel Pump / Patriot Headers / Dual Exhaust / Magnaflow Mufflers / 1964 Coupe / Riverside Red / L76, 327, 365hp
Thanks.  I'll check those things, too.
 
This is what makes this forum so great: so many people who are more than willing to help.
 
Thanks, again.



Chuck

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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