So I did a load test on my battery and it failed. 500 CCAs battery with a 250A load test brought it down to a very poor 7.4V. I'm getting a new one asap. The thing that gets me is that if my olds idles for like a couple minutes the check engine light comes on and the idle speed drops down till the light goes away which is usually within a minute or two. Could it be the battery doing that or do I need something else like a carburetor? Or is it something else? Cause it actually has a rebuilt carb on it. I dont know though exactly what it is!

 

I don't think it would be the carburetor. You should look more closely at your charging system; primary wiring, grounds, alternator, regulator. I bet you will find a problem in there somewhere which, by the way is probably the cause of the problem you described. Your battery may not be the cause of this, just a casualty.

 

moved thread to electrical forum

 

Um, what year car? Have you determined if there are any stored codes in the computer?

 

its a 1985 joe ...the thing that throws me off is that i replaced the alternator on it about 4-5 years ago...and its not like i drive it everyday but not to where i have to charge the battery just to drive it again...but yeah i dont know about stored codes on the computer...that car is 24 years old and im still finding odd things about it lol

 

Any news yet? Get any codes?

 

i got a code reader for it finally and it says that the tps is sending a low reference signal...and already i know i cant fix it myself because of two reasons...one i have no tools and two im not smart enough about how to actually replace a tps

 

Before you replace the TPS, check the connector and wires. This is the three wire connector on the driver's side of the front of the carb. Unplug the connector, spray some contact cleaner, and fully seat it when you remate. Verify that none of the wires have rubbed through or have broken spots. An intermittent problem like this could be wiring or connector related.

If all that fails to fix the problem, it probably is the TPS. The sensor is located inside the carb and is actuated by a plunger that bears against the underside of the accelerator pump arm. There is also an adjustment required if it is ever disturbed or replaced.

 

okay now i have another code lol a code 34...the tps problem is bein caused by a bad ground on the ecm side i tested the voltage on the ground side its pretty high i can't remember the reading but its bad...but the thing thats getting me is that i was told that i dont have a MAP sensor and now im not even sure whats really on my car sensor wise...if you could help me that that would be great also i have another electrical problem and appears to be an open in the connections...my fuel, oil and engine temp, and my battery voltage gauge dont work...what could be the root cause for all of those not working? are they wired in series or something? lol i kno what could cause the fuel gauge not workin its most likely the fuel pump seein how its 25 years old now lol

 

It has a map sensor, I'm pretty sure its on the passenger wheelhouse. Start with the simple stuff first, have you check all the fuses, especially the one marked gages? Check all the vacuum hoses, wires etc.

 

have you replaced your battery yet.with the reading you got you will need to replace it or recharge it and retest.

 

Usually you can look up trouble codes on line for the trouble shooting procedure. I would start there.

 

Does the car run rough. MAP sensor code I would check vacuum lines before I replaced the sensor also check the wires going to the sensor. If it turns out the sensor is good vacuum lines are good then it might be a bad intake gasket.

Are you still having a charging issue.

 

Here is a good site for troubleshooting CCC systems.
http://tlentz.oldsgmail.com/howto.html

If the TPS low error persists, try adjusting it before replacing it.

About 18 years ago, my 86 had an O2 error code. I changed the sensor and TPS error showed up and the fast idle persisted. I had the dealer replace the TPS and then the MAP sensor failed while they were messing with it. They changed that (charged me for the part only at their cost) and all was fine for many years. Repair bill was $137.


This year I got the TPS low error (22) but I do not worry about it as the car does not get inspected. I will get to it eventually...

 

i know this is a VERY late reply ive just been busy with school but...i found the map sensor and i have not tested it yet nor have i tested the vaccum lines to it...but the car is 25 years old and sat for two years in PA...so lol idk it might be both things wrong with it...i posted a new thread for this but my dad's friend gave me a small block 350 four bolt main to me and i had 2100 on me and my dad gave him a grand to have some work done to it but i dont know exactly to do with it if you want to reply to this question i have it posted up just type in mr. cutloose and look for 350 small block chevy 4 bolt main from me and type it in there