I know our cars are old, but is the fluctuation in the voltmeter normal. Everytime a turn something on the voltmeter drops to the line left of 12volts. Is this normal? Also when I have said stuff on, lights, heater, wipers and I press on the brake the tach bounces up and down just slightly. If everything is off it doesn't tach stays steady.

thanks for your help

 

Bad grounds and/or batter cables most likely.

I suggest running a good grounding kit and replacing your 20+ year old crappy battery cables.

You'll also want to give the battery posts a good cleaning while you have the cables off...

 

Check your belt. If cables, grounds, and battery are good, get the alternator tested.

 

Clean the battery posts and clamps.

B

 

I have the same problem in my 85 SE. I'd also like to figure it out, I think I will check the grounds and cables later on today, The alternator is new though, so I don't think it is that.

 

I had the same probs, then the alt went out on me. Replaced that and she runs better, brighter lights and all.

 

it's usually the alternator. upgrade to an S4 turboII for higher amperage. it will also be direct bolt on.

 

Sorry, but I gotta say this:
AMPERAGE IS NOT A WORD!!!
CURRENT is the word you want!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! !!!!!!











... Sorry 'bout that, I had a physics teacher once, and the "amperage" was his pet peeve... I have a compulsive reflexive reation to the word now...

 

putting on a higher rated alt. sounds more like a band-aid for the sitation. i'd guess you have a positive grounded somewhere, or a bad ground.... i have the same prob and have been trying to hunt it down forever!! arggh.. mega **** off. i feel your pain

 

It could be the voltage regulator in the alt going. Probably a good idea to have it checked, but the other fixes mentioned are a good idea in any case...

 

lol

the voltmeter fluctuations are common with first gen. alternators. by switching to a 2nd gen. n/a or t2, this usually solves it.