88 Caprice Power Issue
mbronzino
02-22-2009, 02:22 AM
I have an 88 Caprice Classic Brougham LS with a 305. When I have the heat on with the defrost, the exterior and interior lights dim. If the windshield wipers are on, they move very slow. Other than that, the car drives fine. Can anyone help?
Blue Bowtie
02-22-2009, 08:45 AM
Welcome Aboard!
When the defrost is on, the AC compressor should also run to help reduce humidity in the incoming air. This extra electrical load and mechanical load on the engine can tax the alternator as well as slow the engine, making the alternator even less able to maintain voltage. Your '88 may still have a carburetor, and it may need to have both the curb idle adjusted and AC idle control solenoid checked and adjusted if necessary. The curb idle should be listed on the VECI label under the hood, and the AC idle control solenoid (if equipped) should add 75-100 RPM with the compressor running.
When the defrost is on, the AC compressor should also run to help reduce humidity in the incoming air. This extra electrical load and mechanical load on the engine can tax the alternator as well as slow the engine, making the alternator even less able to maintain voltage. Your '88 may still have a carburetor, and it may need to have both the curb idle adjusted and AC idle control solenoid checked and adjusted if necessary. The curb idle should be listed on the VECI label under the hood, and the AC idle control solenoid (if equipped) should add 75-100 RPM with the compressor running.
75_donk_ridah
04-28-2009, 08:27 AM
i have a 1988 caprice classic with a 305. will it sound good with dual exhaust,if so which ones
silicon212
04-29-2009, 12:21 AM
i have a 1988 caprice classic with a 305. will it sound good with dual exhaust,if so which ones
Please start a new thread.
Please start a new thread.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026