Voltage drops

[rmmartel]

Greetings,

I've been noticing occasional momentary voltage drops while driving my '05 GXP. Of course it is most noticeable at night as the lights dim for a moment and then recover. I've never noticed it at idle, only while driving. Car continues to function fine, voltage comes right back to normal.

A couple months back I replaced the battery - up to that point the car still had it's original battery, which finally gave up the ghost one fine summer afternoon.

Is this a GXP or Northstar thing, or do I have something more unique going on?

[bobgto65]

There can be several reasons for this. Something may be putting a momentary load on the electrical system such as the A/C clutch engaging. This normally does not cause a voltage drop. But if there is a bad ground o0r weak connection then it could. The culprits include worn, loose or corroded battery terminal connectors, a bad ground from the battery to the chassis, or another bad ground.

[Rye Guy]

This is completely normal for this vehicle. I bought mine brand new and it has done this since day 1. I spoke with a number of different people at GM and they indicated this is normal. I now have 135 k km and (82 k miles) and there have never been any issues with the alternator or electrical system. I dont even notice it anymore.

[CMNTMXR57]

Normal. This is one of the few vehicles that I've seen it in. But normal. The only real odd thing about it, is that it can happen above idle. Normally you see these voltage dips as a load is placed, while at idle. As long as it recovers, that is the alternator and the voltage regulation system doing it's job.

[PaulyGXP]

Also have this in mine, been doing it for the 40,000 miles I've owned it.

[bobgto65]

Never had this happen to me on either of my 2000+ Bonnevilles, or in fact any other GM car that I owned.

[CMNTMXR57]

It's the electrical regulation system of the Northstar (including harnesses, support equipment, etc), as I think it's other N* vehicles I've seen it on.