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'82 electrical problems


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This is a post for Rick, but I'm trying to fix it for him. Problem is that when the key is on, or the car is running, the voltage gauge reads very low(although the actual voltage is good) the brake light, stop lamp and E brake light are all on. Also the blinkers are very slow. When I checked voltage at the flasher can it was getting only about 8 volts and the battery still had about 12 in it. I'm sure just the dash cluster is not getting good power or good ground. Thoughts?

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AC voltage from a bad alternator rectifier is the only way all those warning lamps will illuminate. Not saying there aren't other issues as well, but low voltage alone won't do it. Unless there is something very jinky with the ignition switch and it's passing voltage to the bulb check circuit while in the run position..... but that's a bit like saying UFO's took your dog to explain why he didn't come home :-\

 

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AC voltage from a bad alternator rectifier is the only way all those warning lamps will illuminate. Not saying there aren't other issues as well, but low voltage alone won't do it. Unless there is something very jinky with the ignition switch and it's passing voltage to the bulb check circuit while in the run position..... but that's a bit like saying UFO's took your dog to explain why he didn't come home :-\

 

GD

Thats the odd part though... The battery is checking at 13+ volts at idle. I'm still kinda thinking ignition or maybe wiring from the battery to the ignition... also the voltage gauge will read about 12 volts at idle(real is 13) and the low voltage light will be on. Then when you rev it (and real volts go up) the gauge reads less voltage.

I think its broke goood:Flame:

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but what about AC voltage? you can blow a rectifier diode or two and not lost the alternator entirely. is it low 13+? because anything under 13.6 isnt REALLY the strongest charge in the world. Make sure to check for that. The car may well have a weak ground connection for the dash area, BUT that might not be critical, on it's own yet.

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Thats the odd part though... The battery is checking at 13+ volts at idle. I'm still kinda thinking ignition or maybe wiring from the battery to the ignition... also the voltage gauge will read about 12 volts at idle(real is 13) and the low voltage light will be on. Then when you rev it (and real volts go up) the gauge reads less voltage.

I think its broke goood:Flame:

 

It sounds like there may be a couple of problems with the electrical system. As suggested earlier there looks to be a problem with alternator diodes. That is what is turning the warning lights on. I would replace the alternator and then see what happens.

 

You are correct in your thinking about there being a problem with the wiring to the accessories since the battery voltage is significantly higher than the accessories voltage. Make sure the connector at the battery for the accessories power is making good connection. I would then check the fusible links and make sure they are making good connection. If that checks ok then check the connector going to the ignition switch in the steering column. A number of problems have been found there. If it is bad you can just run a wire connection around the connector. If the problem isn't there either then check the ignition switch. You just need to keep moving down the main power line until you find the trouble. Hopefully you have a wiring diagram and a voltmeter to work with on this problem. The problem should be easy to find using those things.

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