Electrical Question

[R7Q]

this is on a 92 Geo Metro Conv.....when I run the lights ...in about 10 minutes the car will die...and the battery will be dead...The 1st thing i replaced was the Alternator...which had no change!!!!! I can take the positive battery cable loose and the car will stay running so whats my problem???????.........thanks.......R7Q

[bowtiebandit]

does it stay running with battery disconnected and the headlights on?

[R7Q]

with the car running....battery pos...cable off and the lights on....the car remains running with not much reported drain on rpm....???????????

[bowtiebandit]

I'd have to venture a guess that the battery may be to discharged and the alternator's output is being overrun by the condition of tryin to charge the battery and run the lights. I'd also take a good look at battery ground on the trans, they come loose alot and the wiring harness from the alternator. They rub through on the alternator bracket and the intake manifold bolts.

[lawbob81]

Bad alternator HOT terminal connection. Replace terminal with heavy guage round terminal and tighten down nut hard, clean terminal, that'll clear up problem. Your output HOT terminal is getting high temp due to poor connection at alternator. After running awhile, stop car, put finger on alternator hot terminal to verify if getting hot, if so, you know what to do.