Evo Grounding problems. Options

[turbohcar]

Well in a word, no. I haven't had problems with mine but, I have had a grounding kit on my car since it initially went under the knife. While I was working at a Dodge dealership, one of the techs had a spare grounding kit for an Intrepid. All it is is some stainless woven wire with ring terminals on the end. I simply altered it to fit and grounded it from firewall, neg. battery terminal, intake manifold, firewall. This may or may not be the correct way to do it but it's what I've seen done. I read an old article in Turbo & High Tech Performance that a stock AWD DSM netted 30 extra hp with a grounding kit alone.

I say grab the 4 gauge and have at it! It should give you the same results.

[natedogg]

I've had a very similar issue on my Talon. It was solved with a new alternator. Turned out the voltage regulator on my alternator was bad. From what I hear those can go bad pretty quick if they get water on them.

[SCCA Stang]

Spy, I have a grounding kit that I bought on ebay... pretty professional looking... you can have it for $20 plus shipping..... shipping won;t be much, I will ship it throught PO flat rate for $7 and some change at the most

[Kazz5]

I'd really go electrical system such as the alternator and regulator here. See if there's an easy check. Grounding kits are often written off as placebos. That being said, I installed one hoping to smooth idle out a bit even before I installed the cams. There are home-made instructions out there for the Evo - I'm sure I have the ones that came with my kit around here if you need 'em. It tells you what to hook where (although not the clearest instructions) but not the specs about the cables - it may have lengths tho ...

[JBone]

If you are going to do grounding kits, disconnect the original wires from the components you are grounding from. Also, I would increase the power lead from your alternator to your positive terminal on your battery.

I also agree with Natedogg and Kazz on the voltage regulator. If you haven't done anything else to your and all of a sudden this is happening, just check to make sure there are no loose connections. If that's the case, then I would whip out a multimeter and see how much amperage is pouring out of the alternator. I think Katie's ex we shall not name had problems with his voltage regulator on his 2g, or it was loose.

[SCCA Stang]

I agree that the alternator may be a good place to start, but if you decide that you want the cables that I have, I will give you first dibs

[natedogg]

Ah, well its been there everytime it gets damp out, so either way.
Little foggy on the amps reading. Could you define how, exactly I would measure the current coming from the alternator to the battery, using a off the shelf DMM?

You're spot on with the off-the-shelf comment. It would take a pretty heavy duty DMM to read the 90-150 amps that modern alternators are capable of outputing. My Fluke 111 is fused at a lowly 10 amps on the amperage terminal.

Also, Jbone makes a good point with the removal of the existing stock grounding cables. Grounding kits can create some strange electrical problems through nasty grounding loops if installed incorrectly.

All said, I'm with Kazz. Everything I've heard about ground kits lead me to believe they are placebos as well, but I suppose there's a chance it could help you with your dimming issue.

[The Iron Goat]

But Dan wouldn't be looking for amperage if the voltage reg is bad, he's looking for voltage. If you hook up the DMM to the alternator output to read voltage, you may be able to see the spikes and drops. An analog meter would be ideal for see that type of problem.

The amperage would only hurt it if he was measuring the amps. I've had a 10A DMM hooked up to 220V 400Hz 3ph power pushing over 30 amps all day long with no ill effects.

[natedogg]

Right. I was assuming a current measurement, just as an explanation to his question. I figured it was intuitive that he should check the voltage to troubleshoot the voltage regulator. You can run a lot of power through the voltage terminal because the sampling impedence is usually in the megaohm range.

[The Iron Goat]

You can run a lot of power through the voltage terminal because the sampling impedence is usually in the megaohm range.

Your MOM's in the megaohm range!!!! I'm sick of your "I know everything there is 'bout 'lectronics 'cause I work for Cat!! I ride around on tractors and look cool." attitude, Mr. Dogg. I'm offended by the lack of sound information you have provided this forum with, and ask that you resign as moderator, and piss off.

That being said, Dan, if my procedure was unclear, then I'll gladly post some more detailed info, or swing by your place and show you just where to put your probe. Keep us posted.


And, I'm sorry Nate. Things have been rough at home lately, and ....I just.... need someone to hold me and tell me everything's gonna be alright.

[natedogg]

And, I'm sorry Nate.  Things have been rough at home lately, and ....I just.... need someone to hold me and tell me everything's gonna be alright.

That's what I'm here for buddy.

[natedogg]

I think so. I'm guessing its considered part of the drivetrain and its not a wear item.

[Kazz5]

Well, THAT's not good news... I hope I'm fine with just a COP replacement and no amp.

How about some huge inline stereo cap?

*Laugh*

Good luck ... might check the voltage anyway.

[JBone]

The car seems to have been doing fine, though, without it. I still wouldn't rule out the voltage reg. or alternator.

[The Iron Goat]

If not introducing noise, perhaps something's loading and unloading the system. Something similar to your headlights turning on and off.

[The Iron Goat]

If you already have the materials, go ahead and finish that grounding job, but my money's on that voltage regulator.

[Kazz5]

I don't know how to do what it is you need and I have a weird schedule this week. But if you want to drop by and try this on mine and you have all the equipment needed contact me.

[natedogg]

I have a pretty decent fluke if you want to borrow. Let me know if you're hooking up with Kazz and I can help troubleshoot. I can bring my Evo as well in all her stockish glory.

[Kazz5]

I have a pretty decent fluke if you want to borrow. Let me know if you're hooking up with Kazz and I can help troubleshoot. I can bring my Evo as well in all her stockish glory.

freak!