'97 Chevy Lumina Problems (possibly with alternator)

[Petersonian]

I have a '97 Chevy Lumina that has been giving me problems lately. For a few weeks now the small "VOLTS" meter on the dashboard has been staying on longer than usual and sometimes turning on while I've been driving the car. Yesterday while driving the car during a rainstorm the windshield whipers started to stutter and then the radio died followed by the power steering and then the car stalled out.

I took the alternator and the battery to an Autozone and they told me the battery was dead but the alternator was working perfectly. So I bought a new battery and put everything back together, the car started but the "VOLTS" meter is still on and the car seems to be idling very low and stalled out twice in the driveway.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to ask about before I go throw money at the mechanic.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. Yeah, have someone with the proper know how and test equipement( not AZ) check it out, no other way. Get the alternator tested for amps output under load.

[Petersonian]

Anything else I should ask about? Or any other ideas you might have as to what the problem is?

[jeffcoslacker]

If the battery was out for a while, the idle memory was lost and will recover after some driving. If the volts light is still on, however, the alternator may be bad.

Sometimes there is a problem with the regulator's reference signal to the ECM, which can cause improper system voltage even with a healthy alternator...

You really need to get the output tested with the alternator on the vehicle. I like to test charging volts at the battery AND at the large charge post on the back of the alternator...if different, there's a burnt fuse link involved. Saves time and a lotta tail-chasing to test it both ways...

When you said the power steering went out, it made me wonder if that was simply the result of the motor dying, or if perhaps the belt is slipping under increased alternator load...did the tensioner seem strong when you took the belt off? Check for drag in other belt-driven accessories too....if something's dragging the belt down, alt output will be reduced...

[aCamView]

Hi... I have a 97 Monte Carlo 3.4 Just had new battery installed at Sears. The next day the VOLTS light came on the engine started to stutter, then it just died. Now I can't even start it.
Have you resolved the problem yet?

If anyone has a suggestion I would love to hear it.
Thanks __Bill in Boston

[maxwedge]

See post #2, no other way!

[aCamView]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

See post #2, no other way!

Thanks! It sure indicates I need an expert with the right tools.