EA81 electrical system question

[eVIL_NTT]

I recently replaced the altenator in my '82 wagon, and I am getting odd behavior from the dash volt gauge. It will jump between 14.4 and 12. Sometimes it will stay at 12 volts and slowly drop down to 10ish, but I don't notice anything different in the car (no loss of power, lights do not dim.) I haven't found my volt meter yet, but I was wondering if there is anything else in the electrical system that would cause this to happen if it failed?

[hatchsub]

Sounds like the voltage regulator went out or should i say is on its way out. If i remember right in 82 it was still a separate unit from the alternator.

[GeneralDisorder]

'82 was the first year for internally regulated alts.

 

Until you test it with your DMM, you won't know what's going on, but I will say I've seen problems like this from worn-out ignition switches, poor connections on the back of the gauge cluster, poor grounds, etc, etc.

 

GD

[hatchsub]

'82 was the first year for internally regulated alts.

 

 

GD

 

Damn knew it was either the last or the first. Lost that one. 82 was a weird year.

Edited November 7, 2009 by hatchsub

[GeneralDisorder]

Yeah - '82 is a weird year. Not so weird that I won't buy one like the 80/81...... but still a transistion year.

 

GD

[eVIL_NTT]

'82 was the first year for internally regulated alts.

 

Until you test it with your DMM, you won't know what's going on, but I will say I've seen problems like this from worn-out ignition switches, poor connections on the back of the gauge cluster, poor grounds, etc, etc.

 

GD

 

Those are good starting points to check out, as soon as I can find my multi meter that is. Thanks for the help!