Voltage Drop and Lights Dim when Coming to a Stop

CHI2000GTP

Grand Prix Junkie
TCG Premium
Dec 1, 2017
480
157
Chicago, IL
Now that the SECURITY issue is fixed and the car is driving... Thanks to this forum and the Harbor Master. Got another problem I'm battling that I need some help with. Looking for some tips into what could be causing this on-going issue that I'm experiencing in the same 2000 Turbo Prix. Maybe the ignition issues I described in my previous and this issue, are related?

Whenever I'm coming to a stop, whether pressing on the brake pedal or just coasting to a stop, my voltage drops like a rock. At idle is stays constant at 14.3 or higher. When driving it's around 14.2v or higher. When coming to a stop however, the voltage drops to as low as 9.8v.
I have a quick, 20 second video of it happening below. Watch the Aeroforce in the top left corner. Numbers jump from 14.2 > 10.8 > 13.5 > 14.1 > 11.1 > 13.7 > 11.2 > 14.1 ...etc

Things I've done already:
Scrubbed, sanded, scrapped all grounds. EXCEPT for the under carpet grounds in the cabin.
Replaced IAC sensor with brand new AcDelco sensor.
Cleaned MAF sensor


VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/luH-W0MsH1E
 

CHI2000GTP

Grand Prix Junkie
TCG Premium
Dec 1, 2017
480
157
Chicago, IL
Hmmm... Didn't think about that. That's a good point.


So maybe bad battery? I can swap in the one from the maroon GTP and test. That battery is new.

Now that I think about it, I remember PO telling me that the car has the ZZP voltage booster dongle. Maybe that's causing issues. It's been known to do spooky things. That's an easy and obvious one, gonna start there. Gonna remove the booster and see what happens.
 

CHI2000GTP

Grand Prix Junkie
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Dec 1, 2017
480
157
Chicago, IL
Agreed, that's a good start. Whilst you at it, just peep the battery voltage, but if it starts the car, I highly doubt it's under 11.8-12.2-ish volts.

Car starts without any issues. When I was doing that security relearn yesterday with the key at ON position, the Aeroforce displayed 10.3v

Do you have a volt meter? Test the voltage with that, test the battery with the car off and the alternator when it’s running, I don’t remember if all the gp alternators have a clutch pulley or not but maybe it’s going out

I don't have a volt meter. But I should by now! Dohh! Will buy
 

SaturdaysGS

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Jul 15, 2007
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I’ve had a similar issue on my turbo 04... idle in park 14.2-14.4. Get driving and come to a stop and the voltage drops to 11’s and 12’s. Seems to mess with my fueltrims as I can see the wideband go wonky. I replaced the alternator which did nothing, however my battery was crap so that was my next step.

I haven’t driven the car yet this year but did buy a new battery so I’m gonna go from there. Clean up some grounds too since I have it out. I know I need a tensioner, doubtful that that is causing my issue though... I think..
 

SaturdaysGS

TCG Elite Member
Jul 15, 2007
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Chicago (Southside)
I’ve had a similar issue on my turbo 04... idle in park 14.2-14.4. Get driving and come to a stop and the voltage drops to 11’s and 12’s. Seems to mess with my fueltrims as I can see the wideband go wonky. I replaced the alternator which did nothing, however my battery was crap so that was my next step.

I haven’t driven the car yet this year but did buy a new battery so I’m gonna go from there. Clean up some grounds too since I have it out. I know I need a tensioner, doubtful that that is causing my issue though... I think..



Just to update I did change the battery and have been driving the car. Seems to hate coming to a stop the idle and volts dip down, stalls sometimes.. when it doesn’t stalk voltage doesn’t recover unless I tap or use minor throttle.

Possibly gummed up throttle body? It is DBW. Or maybe the fact I’m probably down a hole compression wise causing vacuum issues messing with the tune? I’m pulling at straws. Probably gonna get rid of it relatively cheap, but it’s still fun to drive even on 5 (and 1/2 cylinders).
 

Lord Tin Foilhat

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Jul 8, 2007
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I've scraped all grounds raw. Scrapped, sanded, wire brushed, finger-nailed (lol)... they are clean! EXCEPT for the 2 under carpet grounds.

I was avoiding them because you have to remove the plastic molding and lift the carpet, but at this point they need to get looked at.
Probably easier to get to then the alternator :rofl:
 

SaturdaysGS

TCG Elite Member
Jul 15, 2007
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Chicago (Southside)
I put in my spare battery - No Change

Removed ZZP Voltage Booster - No Change



Next up is an alternator swap, and going to go ahead and replace ignition switch/harness. Also, I've done some reading and it appears that a bad brake booster could be causing this. Doesn't look like a fun job.



What or where did you hear about the brake booster? I’m guessing some sort of vacuum issue especially since it’s low rpms/idle.
 

CHI2000GTP

Grand Prix Junkie
TCG Premium
Dec 1, 2017
480
157
Chicago, IL
Probably easier to get to then the alternator :rofl:

That's true for this Turbo Prix because the alternator has been relocated to where the A/C Compressor was. And the coil packs moved to the firewall kinda where the alternator originally was from the factory. It's still rather easy to get to tho.

Otherwise, on these 3800 engines the alternator is one of the easiest parts to remove. Right on top of the engine, next to the coolant overflow, and only 3 screws holding it in.
 
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