Unplug the small plug on the side / back of the generator while the symptoms are occurring. If the engine runs better, suspect the generator has a failed diode. If a load-test verifies that when the maximum output current is one third of what it should be, replace the generator and the battery. With '87 and newer GM vehicles, the redesigned generators develop huge voltage spikes that can damage the internal diodes and voltage regulator, and interfere with computer sensor signals. The battery is the key component in damping and absorbing those spikes, but as they age and the lead flakes off the plates, they lose their ability to do that. The high number of repeat generator failures can be reduced by replacing the battery at the same time, unless it is less than about two years old. The old battery will work okay in an '86 or older model.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM