Scorn

My battery and engine lights come on and my power gage shows very low power. Then all of a sudden, *BAM*, everything goes back to normal. This happened about 4 times on Friday.

Does anyone have any idea what I need to do to fix this and whats going on exactly?

Scorn

Btw, had a new alternater put in about 3 weeks ago.

ACECO

Did it do this before the alternator was installed? Assuming not then I would take a good look at the the associated wiring, connectors, etc related to the alternator. Sounds like perhaps an intermittant connection.

Also, check the battery cables/connections, both at the battery and the other end. Could very well be a bad ground too. After 23 years, connections can get really dirty/corroded. Not sure about an 81, but earlier years the ground battery cable connects to the frame under the car which often gets corroded and can cause all kinds of power issues.

Good Luck!

79ls1

Ditto, I had the same problem, it was a bad ground. My fix was to run another ground from the frame to the drive train.

Scorn

Is this something a typical pro auto-mechanic could fix pretty easily?

Smokin Joe

I've had major power issues in my dad's 69. I am replacing all wiring during the resto. The worst problems are in the steering column, because they are a PITA to get too...so I'm told.

Ditto on the battery ground above, I've heard that problem alot.

Also, clean your battery terminals if you haven't already, I had that problem on my 88 camaro.

Scorn

I had a loose connection on my battery. I feel dumb, yet relieved. I am glad I looked before taking it to a mechanic though.

Thanks for the help.