SPONSORED LINKS

Fluctuating voltage gauge

Tiny
ROSS WELSH
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET 2500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
My voltage gauge fluctuates quickly based on the engine RPM along with the headlights and dash lights. My serpentine belt dampener also fluctuates with the same pattern. Should the dampener wiggle, what would cause it to move and can that make the voltmeter fluctuate?

Thank you,
Ross
SPONSORED LINKS
Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 AT 1:11 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

No, the tensioner should not move at all. It should stay solid.

If the belt is slipping, that could effect the charging system as the pulley may be slipping in the belt.

Roy

1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement.
2. Remove the bolt.
3. Remove the drive belt tensioner.

Belt

1. Install a 3/8 inch drive wrench on the drive belt tensioner and rotate the arm counterclockwise.
2. Remove the drive belt.
3. Slowly release the tension on the drive belt tensioner.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
ROSS WELSH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the information. I will remove the tensioner assembly tomorrow, spin a few pulleys along the belt pathway and keep you posted on what happens.

Ross
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, August 27th, 2020 AT 2:37 AM
Tiny
ROSS WELSH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I decided to pull the alternator and have it checked out at my new favorite parts shop. It checked out okay so I spent $40.00 on a new belt tensioner assembly. I came home, put everything back together and bingo! It solved to problem!

Thanks again,

Ross
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 28th, 2020 AT 8:44 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good job.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 28th, 2020 AT 8:51 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links