Hey guys,
I know I haven't been super active on the forum in recent years, and this post is super old, but I figured a reply was necessary!
I finally fixed this problem! Since most forums serve as a make shift repair refrence book, I figured since I finally fixed this problem, I should post the solution as well!
Now, to be honest, after some quick checking of the wiring, I pretty much just lived with the buzzing noise and always figured I would put it on my list of things to fix later. My Dad and I were talking about it and he did some internet searching and found the following post on Hot Rodders:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/1980-ta-choke-relay-22231.htmlThis pretty much describes the exact issue and mentions the alternator diodes (same as "80 4mula" did in a reply to my original post). The members on the forum also go into the reasons why it was making the buzzing noise and how to fix it!
I did some checking and I still have the original GM alternator in my T/A:
My alternator is a 70A model, which matches my build sheets and window stickers. The diode pack that I needed was in stock at my local Napa warehouse for $3.53. It's not a very big part!
We went and picked the part up and started in on the alternator. Once we got the alternator out of the car, we split the case and seperated the halves (remember to stick a paper clip or small wire in the brush retaining hole on the side of the case, so when you split the halves, they dont go all over the place, ask me how I know
)
The diode pack is located on the heat sync at the bottom of the case.
Installation is reverse of removal.
Once I got the alternator put back together, we put it in the car and started it up.....NO MORE BUZZING NOISE!! You have no idea how the driving expirience of this car has improved with that annoying buzzing finally gone for good!
All said and done, including getting the part, this entire fix took 90 minutes! I can't beleive I didn't put more effort into getting this fixed years ago!
I hope at least someone will benefit from me posting the fix to this problem, but if not, it was worth it just to share in the joy I am having driving around a non-buzzing Trans Am!!!
Bill