Just a couple issues.

[msmart86_2000]

Well, first, I'm having a sticky right front Caliper. Pretty sure it's just the caliper, and nothing else though, it's a bit rusty. Second. Alternator. These things go through alternators a lot? I ask because it looks fairly new (it's still got shiny bits), but there are times where it'll run ok, then the next time I get in the car, it'll be fine, drop down to only 12 volts, go back to 13-ish, then on up to 14 where it's normally at, then back down to 12. I can place the shifter into neutral and rev it up to get it back where it should be, but that only works for a min. or two. Sometimes it comes back up on it's own as well. I was probably just going to replace it as well, but wanted to make sure there wasn't anything that I might not know about. Thanks ahead of time!!!

 

[Oreif]

For caliper - Replace or rebuild it.

Alternator - Check the ground straps. There should be one from the firewall side engine head to the decklid hinge bracket and one from the stud on the firewall side where the engine meets the transaxle and it should attach to the frame just under where the air cleaner intake tube (4-cyl) or under the air cleaner (V-6). Since it works intermittently it is most likely a grounding issue.

If you know how to use a DMM or ohm meter you can measure the resistance between the negative side of the battery and the engine. You should have less than 3 ohms. The same goes for the negative battery post to the frame and the frame to the engine block.
Some folks have added an extra ground strap as well.

FYI ~ some folks have dressed up their engine compartment by painting the engine and brackets. This can cause the alternator to not see a good ground if the alt bracket has been painted.

 

[msmart86_2000]

Yep, know how to use, one, just hafta get one. Maybe just take off the grounds that are there, clean them up, secure down, and spray some corrosion inhibitor stuff (real technical, I know) on there. That should help for sure. Then see what happens.

 

[Oreif]

Make sure the straps go to the block or the heads not to any brackets.

______________________________

 

[msmart86_2000]

Saw one from the head to the right side of the engine. Not sure if it was a firwall or not. Also there's another wire hooked to that one. Gonna be out there once it warms up a little more, it was just a quick glance. Thanks again for the help!!

 

[msmart86_2000]

Ok. When I start this thing, it runs at about 14 volts. Give it a few minutes, and it drops to 12. Sometimes goes lower, somethimes back up to14. Know that's not a huge swing, but it's noticeable, expecially when half my driving is done before dawn. What is the normal operating range for these vehicles. is just running 12 ok, then it pops back up when the battery gets to low? I've cleaned all grounds, replaced the positive battery cable because the one that was on there had corroded through, and I still have this issue. I see no problems with any of the wiring. The last thing I'd know to do is replace the alternator, something I don't want to do because it sure does not look like fun.