i figured i'd post this up here so see if anyone here had any thoughts, as this is where i am mostly....

my friend has a 1994 grand prix. 115K miles. it seems like it is dying now. he just recently put on new brakes and tie-rods.
now, the engine idles like crap. it varies by 300rpm and cant stand still for a second. put on the right signal and its like a huge strain on the engine. the lights dim and idle drops. he stalled it the other day putting on his turn signal. the left turn signal works fine.
the speedometer is pretty random--like it will say youre going 50 when youre actually doing 30. then wont move at all, then drop out or do something weird.

any ideas???? alternator?

thanks guys,
Bill

sounds electrical. test the alternator w/ a multimeter. Should be putting out around 14 volts.

I agree with the consensus of an electrical problem. It sounds like something is seriously shorted out. Get the alternator tested. That could be it. Does the car start alright?

thanks...we'll have to get that tested out. any good DIY way to test it out? i know use the voltmeter, but it being connected to the rest of the car's system will affect the readout i'm thinking.
thanks for your help! any other ideas welcome!

bill

To check the volt output of the alternator just put the meter across the posts on the battery it should read somewhere around 14 volts. Check the battery cables as well and be sure no corrosion or loose wires exist.

You could also check the alt. by hooking the positive lead to the output post on the alt. and ground the neg. to the battery. Either way you should get around 14V.

Check the ground connection to the frame at the battery.
Also check the bulbs for the correct size.

My .02

Hope this helps

"G"

More likely to be a computer issue....think about it. Why if it is the alternator does it only die when the right turn signal goes on and not the left, and also why would the speedo be off? That signal comes from the computer as well don't it? I would check loose connections as well as possible light water damage, doesn't take much.