i have an 86 vette with 85,000 on the way home, the voltmeter started lighting up and my charge went to 9V. the lights became dim. it wont restart, so i got a new battery. now it starts but the charging light is slight up and reads from 11.0 - 11.6 volts. the tested the battery, with engine off...read 12V. started the engine, tested the batter, reads 14+. ive noticed that the water temp siwth and volt swich wont stay off. what gives here? any ideas

 

The rectifier in the alternator is probably shorting out, either that or a coil winding is under heat. Very good chance your alternator is due to be replaced. [8D]

 

yap...sounds like it...ill get the alternator tested or just replace it this weekend. ill keep you guys posted.

 

replace the alternator with an ac delco...everything is now ok. the gauges...temp/off/voltmeter are now ok. the red light disappeared and i can see its now 14+ volts. thanks mech259

 

NP, glad u got it going. [8D]