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D
I finally had to replace my 1981 battery, I had no warning lights or issues except one morning (didn't drive it for a few weeks before) it just wouldn't crank. I put in the new battery and when hooking up the negative termal on the disconnect switch I heard relay "chattering" until I got tight. The battery idiot light was on as well as the interior light under the glovebox.
When you start the car it runs fine and all of the lights remain off; however, as soon as you stop the battery idiot light will stay on as well as the interior light under the dash on the glovebox side.
If anyone has had this happen or has any ideas they would be very appreciated!
Thanks! - Doug
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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If you had the door open while connecting the cable, then courtesy light would have been on anyway.
The battery light will be on anytime the key is on, but it shouldn't be on with the key off...
The courtesy light coming on could indicate a problem with the timer, but....it shouldn't just come on when you stop/turn the key off...it is possible, tho.
Make sure your ground cable from the batt to the frame is in good shap, and making good contact on the frame. Then check the ground cable from the frame to the engine at the front, by the engine mount...
The battery light will be on anytime the key is on, but it shouldn't be on with the key off...
The courtesy light coming on could indicate a problem with the timer, but....it shouldn't just come on when you stop/turn the key off...it is possible, tho.
Make sure your ground cable from the batt to the frame is in good shap, and making good contact on the frame. Then check the ground cable from the frame to the engine at the front, by the engine mount...
Joel Adams
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Thanks Joel - I'll keep you posted. Doug
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Send PMOak Creek, WI - USA
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Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Doug,
Also check the "BAT" Fuse in the fuse panel before calling it a day.
Dan
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I checked the grounds and the fuse; all seem OK. I then unplugged the alternator 2 prong plug and the problem went away.
I am assuming this is an internal regulator that may have shorted? Does this sound reasonable? Thanks for everyone's advice.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22716
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Does sound like an alt problem. Ya might take it off an have Pep Boys(or some other place) check it out on a machine first. If you have the service manual, there is info in there on how to test the various components. Ken could tell you/us the procedure, but I'd have to look it up and post it. 
Joel Adams
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My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Just out of interest, what type of battery did you get for your new one ?
Kiwi Chris
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Sears Die Hard. I am looking for an alternator out of a 1980 or 1981 that has a date code from 7/80 - 10/80 if anyone knows of a source. Thanks.
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Finally completed the repair. It took awhile because I searched for an alternator with a date code a few months before my 10/80 build date. Found the alternator but it was in bad shape; I had it rebuilt and restored. Installed and it finally works great.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Good to hear!! 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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in Forum: C3 Electrical, Body and Interior
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