Re: An old problem...electric  
Re: An old problem...electric -- JC Post Reply Top of thread Maverick Message Board
Posted by: Ken Merring ®
2001/08/31, 00:25:13
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:I have an electrical problem..it could just be the nature of the old car, but…. When I turn on my headlights the voltage drops to about 13 …. Same with the wipers. When anything electrical is used the voltage drops. I also run an electric fan and needless to say, when it’s dark and raining and I’m waiting to turn right at a light my wipers barely work! Everything is new accept the starter and a few accessory wires. Any thoughts? I guess I should check all grounds. This isn’t a new problem and when I put on a new alternator it cured most of it….these voltage drops seem a bit much though.
: I discovered another problem too. When I signal right and hit the brakes or hit the brakes and signal right the brake lights dim-out. This only happens with the right turn signal; which, I might add, is the one you have to hold to signal.

..Read closly, If you have no starting problem (sluggish turn over)it would suggest that the cables and the alternator are ok.
..Look at the main power feed for the rest of the electrical coming off the starter solinoid. Is it broken to just a few strands? If you have a volt-ohm meter check the voltage accross the battery terms after turning on the heater then check again at a point after the battery connection. If there is a near broken wire there will be a difference in readings.
..Check the grounds going to the body. If one is poor you can also measure a drop accross a bad ground connection. Look for overheated insulation near connections. This is like trying to draw 10 amps through a 2 amp connection. NG.
Good luck,Ken


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