RPM drop when activating electrics

[speedyts49]

When I turn off the lights the rpm's drop to half of idle. This also happens when I open the sun roof or put any strain on the electical system.
Is the alternator going or what?

[kamesama980]

or the batteries going and the alternators taking the full load. check the ignition system and vacuum lines too.

[speedyts49]

Originally Posted by kamesama980

or the batteries going and the alternators taking the full load. check the ignition system and vacuum lines too.

Ok I tested the battery with one of those floating ball syringes. 4 of 6 checked at full charge and 2 of 6 checked at 3/4 charge.
Not sure that the battery is the problem but it might be.

Voltmeter to battery. 12.4 volts off. 14.4 volts while running right after starting. I did not check voltage after the car warmed up and the idle had dropped to normal. I'll do that next for the heck of it.

[markpc]

It is more likley to be the alernator than the battery, if the battery were a little suspect starting the car would tell you of the problem (starter turning a little slower or taking a few more secconds to start the engine). The alternator can be tested, but first I would check all the earth connections and plug on the alternator for any corrosion or fitting. If you are running the heater at full or you have the rear heated window on at the same time as using the sunroof then there is nothing to worry about this is normal

[speedyts49]

Originally Posted by markpc

It is more likley to be the alernator than the battery, if the battery were a little suspect starting the car would tell you of the problem (starter turning a little slower or taking a few more secconds to start the engine). The alternator can be tested, but first I would check all the earth connections and plug on the alternator for any corrosion or fitting. If you are running the heater at full or you have the rear heated window on at the same time as using the sunroof then there is nothing to worry about this is normal

Maybe it's not really a problem. It does not die when I turn the lights off or some other similar operation. I noticed it some time ago when I raise the electric window if I keep trying to put it up even though it is all the way up the idle drops some.
I'll keep an eye on it and check what I can.
thanks

[alltracman78]

When you increase the load on the alt, the drag increases.
There is supposed to be a idle up for it, but I've never seen/had it work on either of my GTSs or any of my Alltracs...

[speedyts49]

I went to get the car california smogged this afternoon and the EL came on. I went home reset it and cleaned the throttle body for the heck of it and checked for vaccum. Anyway I am not sure if the idle situation is still there but I did PASS the smog!
We wil most likely sell this car in the next ninety days(since it's smogged) and move up to the next generation.
Something a little newer and nicer, at least that's the plan.