Wiring gremlins

[jemgee]

Had an auto electrician sort out jumble of wires behind radio so now have working radio, cig lighter and panel rehostat. However I decide to leave a couple of dashboard probs till next time.

 

No lights on the dash gauges but those above the heater controls are on OK

I replaced fan belt and had alternator output checked OK but occasionally the volt gauge drops into the red zone and or the ign warning light comes on dimly and then goes out (at engine speeds of about 2000 rpm)Voltmeter also takes a long time to climb into the white zone from start up

Headlamp flasher not working

 

Any ideas what it could be or where to look - are they likely to be the usual **** connections?

[tr7jim]

Mike,

 

It could be the alternator carbon brushes need replacing and the com needs a good clean, failing that the rectifier is on its way out.

 

Suggest you check the voltage on idle should be around 12v and when you rev up a little should be 14v.

 

The last suggestion is the fan belt is slipping.

 

Hope this helps.

Edited May 6, 2010 by tr7jim

[jemgee]

Pretty sure its not fan belt - it is new and correctly adjusted - visibly speeds up and stays taut when engine revved up and the alternator was checked by independant specialist I took it to - they checked both the brushes and the rectifier.

 

Just have a feeling its possibly stray currents etc from poor connections in dashboard area or other problem

[anthonyt]

move quickly on investigating this one or you may end up with a fire behind the dash like i did some years ago, suggest you look at connectors and a good look for heat affected wires. in the meantime disconnect the battery when you aren't using it.