I hav a 1989 astro. The radio stopped working and the battery light is comming on. What could be causing these problems?
Jul 10, 2011 at 8:08 PM
1989 Astro
1989 CHEVROLET ASTRO
DAGOSPEL
- MEMBER
- 2 POSTS
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CARADIODOC
- ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
- 34,321 POSTS
Suspect a generator problem for the battery light. The radio problem could be related but they also develop a lot of intermittent connections.
Use an inexpensive digital voltmeter to measure battery voltage while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, replace the generator. It is real common to go through four to six of them in the life of the van. To reduce the repeat failures, replace the perfectly good battery at the same time. This generator design develops huge voltage spikes that will destroy the internal diodes and built-in voltage regulator. As batteries age, they lose their ability to dampen and absorb those spikes. The old battery will work fine in a 1986 or older car which still used the better design generator.
Use an inexpensive digital voltmeter to measure battery voltage while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, replace the generator. It is real common to go through four to six of them in the life of the van. To reduce the repeat failures, replace the perfectly good battery at the same time. This generator design develops huge voltage spikes that will destroy the internal diodes and built-in voltage regulator. As batteries age, they lose their ability to dampen and absorb those spikes. The old battery will work fine in a 1986 or older car which still used the better design generator.
Jul 10, 2011 at 8:22 PM
Yhank you. I replaced the battery and tightened the ware on the back of the alternator. The battery light stopped flickering. It came back on a day later. I will test the voltage levels and if they are low I will replace the part.
Thank for responding
Thank for responding
Jul 10, 2011 at 9:09 PM
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