1994 Bonneville Electrical Problems??

First off I'm new here and would like to say Hello, this seems like a good board to join......Anywho my problem with this car starts when I'll be driving for a few days with no problems but all of a sudden it won't start.

I mean it will turn over and want to , even with a boost, but still nothing. I noticed also when I run into this problem my windows won't go up or down and even my power locks don't even work. When I try to use these my interior lights blink off when I press down on say the power window.

I even tried listening to hear if the fuel pump in the tank turns on when another turns the key to Run position but cannot here it making it's normal noise when activated.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, shaking my head at this one!!
Thanks,
FatPat3

Welcome aboard FATPAT3, Have you tried the basics first, of cleaning your battery connections and the opposite ends of the cables (mainly the grounds) and be sure you clean the power cable that runs off your battery to the distribution box on the firewall. By what your explaining, your getting an interrupted circuit by a faulty connection, and IF its in the connections I mentioned, it will probably be evident when you get to it. Good Luck, and happy reading. Another good source is www.bonnevilleclub.com

jkinney,

Thanks for the Welcome!! I tried looking at those connections and they seem fine, I also had another boost and the car did turn over but for only a minute, this happened twice but did not want to stay running.

I was told it might be my alternator not holding the charge for my battery is "new" and shouldn't be the problem. What do ya think of this before I go and purchase an alternator.

I mean the alternator is original from 94' and all.....

Talk to ya later,
FatPat3

I was told it might be my alternator not holding the charge for my battery is "new" and shouldn't be the problem. What do ya think of this before I go and purchase an alternator.

I mean the alternator is original from 94' and all.....



Pat, The alternator may be failing, and the "new" battery may potentially be run down (low state of charge). You should bring the battery up to full state of charge with an external battery charger, then also remove the alternator to Autozone or Pepboys for a load/output test to check the condition of the alternator. You must establish the condition of both the battery, and the alternator as seperate components. Or you can just go buy a new alternator, but you will still need to charge the battery on an external charger.

markwb hello there!!

I just got back from the Auto supply and purchased a rebuilt alternator, also a new Drive belt. The car started up within a minute from another boost and has continued to run properly ever since, which is good LOL.

The alternator was in fact the original from 94', surprised it lasted this long I guess.

Hopefully this was the culprit , maybe now I can enjoy the rest of Fathers Day, what's left of it that is LOL.

Thanks again guys!!
FatPat3

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you're back on the road with your Bonneville. Let us know how it's working out if you get the chance.

These cars are known for eating alternators. Alot of people advise changing the alternator and the battery at the same time, and if you can afford it, is probably the best way to do it, so you should be good for awhile. I recently went through my SSEi (94) and totally disassembled my dash to clean the bulkhead connectors troubleshooting a drop in voltage, even after replacing the alternator and battery. Finally cured the problem, but the stock alternator only runs about 13.6 volts, with only the radio on (engine running of course), I'm upgrading to a 200 amp alternator, about 250 bucks.

HI

..have been reading about bonneville alternator/battery problems.

..2yrs 4mths ago replaced the alt and batt...drove aprrox 80000km or 50000miles and car failed again...replaced the alternator but yesterday the battery was dead...probable need to replace it

..it appears this is common with these cars...is there a remedy or do I have to do this every 2 yrs

regards