Help, battery light came on

[encasedmetal]

Hey everyone, new to the terminator platform. Did two pulls tonight (stock pulleys) and battery light came on shortly after. Had a weird smell and then all gauges died but car stayed on. Got the car home fine. Battery is two months old as is alternator. Battery had water on top of it when i opened the hood. Now whne i crank the car the battery light comes on when i rev the car. Did the new alt already die?

 

[TerminatorCobraJP]

Hey everyone, new to the terminator platform. Did two pulls tonight (stock pulleys) and battery light came on shortly after. Had a weird smell and then all gauges died but car stayed on. Got the car home fine. Battery is two months old as is alternator. Battery had water on top of it when i opened the hood. Now whne i crank the car the battery light comes on when i rev the car. Did the new alt already die?

Following. Been noticing similar issues with my car recently. Happened after topping out the speedo. My battery and alternator are also fairly new.

Sent from my SM-S536DL using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[MG0h3]

The water/fluid on top of the battery is curious.

Overcharging can cause it to get hot and push a little fluid

Also possible some coolant from the expansion or IC tank sprayed out?

First step is getting a multimeter and doing some testing.

A cheapo $40 one from Oreilleys does what a $400 one did 20yrs ago.

Check battery voltage key off. While cranking. While running.

Proper charging voltage is 13.8-14.2.

Do a visual check of the belt and cables between the battery and alt.

Could be something simple.


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[encasedmetal]

The water/fluid on top of the battery is curious.

Overcharging can cause it to get hot and push a little fluid

Also possible some coolant from the expansion or IC tank sprayed out?

First step is getting a multimeter and doing some testing.

A cheapo $40 one from Oreilleys does what a $400 one did 20yrs ago.

Check battery voltage key off. While cranking. While running.

Proper charging voltage is 13.8-14.2.

Do a visual check of the belt and cables between the battery and alt.

Could be something simple.


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Ive been reading online that overcharging (ie from a possible bad voltage regulator) can cause heating of the battery and thus electrolytes to push out.

 

[MG0h3]

The smell you reported is also a big clue.

Burnt electrical components have a distinct smell.

Def do a visual inspection of all cables and connections at the alternator and to the battery from the alternator.

Look for signs of heat. Even a loose connection will cause resistance which makes heat under load.


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[LS WUT]

Everything @MG0h3 has said is accurate. He knows his shit.

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

Check the simple stuff but wouldn’t surprise me

Finding a decent mod motor alternator is inexplicably difficult for some reason

 

[Murderedsvt]

I would unplug the battery if it sits in the garage just in case.

 

[hotcobra03]

I've had issues with grounds .

1st from battery to radiator support,,
This wire is to small and burned inside of casing,,

Upgraded this wire.

2nd.
Main ground from battery to drivers engine mount .

Stud here broke but was still hanging,,causing charging issues


Another area.

Aftermarket battery terminals

These will get dirty under clamp ,,

 

[BlckBox04]

what kind of alternator did you get? I HIGHLY suggest you do the big 3 wiring upgrade

 

[encasedmetal]

Current update, battery still has plenty of fluid within but was basically dead when i pulled it out of the car. It charged just fine. Going to get battery and alternator tested. Fully expect at least (probably) both are bad now, even though again, they are 1.5 mo old.

 

[03cobra#694]

Also possible some coolant from the expansion or IC tank sprayed out?

First thing I thought of too.

The smell you reported is also a big clue.

Antifreeze.

Current update, battery still has plenty of fluid within but was basically dead when i pulled it out of the car. It charged just fine. Going to get battery and alternator tested. Fully expect at least (probably) both are bad now, even though again, they are 1.5 mo old.

This is odd. Did you check the belts?

 

[encasedmetal]

It is definately not coolant and is battery electroltye fluid. There are no leaks in any area beyond the top of battery and battery tray. Also, the fluid burned skin (acid) before I got my gloves on. Smell seemed more electrical to me. Belt is super tight and notch on tensioner shows the same. I believe that the alternator overcharged the battery, thus frying at least the alternator if the battery as well.

 

[03cobra#694]

Well dame. The alternators are so much fun to remove.

 

[encasedmetal]

Well dame. The alternators are so much fun to remove.

not bad at all I don't think. could be the starter...

 

[01yellercobra]

A battery powered long neck ratchet makes it even easier.

 

[encasedmetal]

A battery powered long neck ratchet makes it even easier.

had it out in 40 minutes, from the top. battery tested good, alternator failed testing. ordered a new one along with a 3" alternator pulley from LFP

 

[01yellercobra]

From the top is next level. I've always dropped it out the bottom.

 

[jwcobra03]

Do yourself a favor and scoop up a Nation's Alt.

 

[hotcobra03]

Was there a warranty on alt?

I've been using orielys, lifetime warranty.
On second 1 now,,

I pull out bottom,,takes longer to drink the beer than pull this thing