Really Odd Voltage problem

[00BlackY3F]

Alright, I have a 2000 v6 Camaro and a couple weeks ago my voltage would suddenly and randomly drop down to the redline for a few seconds and then come back. At first it would only happen when I was breaking but it doesn't do that anymore now it drops whenever it feels like dropping or when I'm doing a three-point turn. I thought it was my voltage regulator so I replaced it and it still happens and its not just my gauge because my lights dim when it happens. The battery and alternator are both perfectly good. I've had the car for 8 months and this is the first time anything of this sort has happened. Anybody have any ideas before my car dies on the side of the road or before I go crazy from trying to figure it out? Thanks for any help.

[98Camaro3.8]

Did you take the alternator down to have it tested?

[00BlackY3F]

I had the first one tested and they said that it was fine but when the guy was doing the test I was watching the gauge drop so I decided just to replace it anyway and the problem is still there.

[00BlackY3F]

what should my car idle at? I've noticed that the volts drop when I idle or during a 3 point turn with the all the turning and shifting all happens when its idleing so could my car be idling to low? So when ever I shift or turn the wheel, it puts a load on the engine and the RPMs drop a bit. Does this make any sense at all?

[fenderman]

I'd check and make sure that your battery connections are clean and tight. If you have access to a voltage meter, check the voltage at idle right on the battery.

When I bought my Camaro the positive battery cable had been cut and spliced into one of those generic terminals. Shortly before I started having starting problems I noticed that my voltage also fluctuated with idle and initially thought my alternator was on its way out. Not only had the wires corroded a bit but they were so loose in the terminal that they pulled right out. I ended up purchasing a new cable from the GM dealer and the problems went away.

Bad batteries, cables and/or connections can all be cause for fluctuating voltage at the meter. I'd check your connections first and then go to the battery. If the connections are clean and tight this might be a tell tale sign that the battery is on its way out.

[BLLDOGG]

your idle should be around 750rpms.

[1SL1k30thCam]

I have that same power drop problem....i have no idea what it is either..drives me nuts.

[TopFliteRS]

my cars voltage constantly moves around when the engines running, no matter what accessories or lights i have on or off. and, every exterior and interior (except stereo)light always dimmly flashes... its really annoying, and kind of embarassing! i had the battery and alternator tested and both are fine...checked the connections and they seem fine....

[fenderman]

All I can tell you is that mine did this very same thing. The dash lights would dim when I slowed down and would get brighter when I sped up. Sometimes while running at a constant speed the lights would dim a bit but nothing that I thought major. One day my car started having intermittent starting problems. I figured out that it was a loose connection and decided to get a brand new cable from the dealer. Once it was installed there was no more dash flicker, the car started great and still does and there is no more constant fluctuation in voltage.