2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

before i start messing with my elecrical system...

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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:37 PM
  #1  
lunardeathgod's Avatar
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From: San Antonio, TX
before i start messing with my elecrical system...

So when my headlights are on they tend to go dim quickly. Then they jump back up. (no problem) but when i turn the blinker on or press on the breaks, the power drops down very quickly and everything dims. This is starting to be a problem because i am going to start using it as my daily driver again and i want everything to work right.

So what i was wondering is where should i start looking at first?

*bonus question!!!

also my radio seems to work for a bit and then when i start to drive the radio will sometimes cut out, not sure if its connected but i want to get that fixed as well if im already working on the electrical.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:47 PM
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even with my 120 amp alternator I still get some dimming.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:47 PM
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do you have any add ons to the interior? subs...etc? it sounds like your alternator isnt putting out the amps you need. go get it tested and see what its putting out. you dont have to take the alt out they can test it while in the car.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7 FC TII
do you have any add ons to the interior? subs...etc? it sounds like your alternator isnt putting out the amps you need. go get it tested and see what its putting out. you dont have to take the alt out they can test it while in the car.
no there isn't anything extra added. I tested the alternator a few months back and that is fine.

and the problem is mostly when i use the blinkers and press on the breaks when it goes dim, the headlights i can understand going dim when they start up.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:53 PM
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With the car running take a voltage reading from the alternator. Red meter lead to the B+ terminal (single Black wire bolted to the side of alternator) and black meter lead to the negative battery terminal. Ideal reading will fall between 14.2 to 14.7 volts.

In addition you could take a meter lead to the B+ terminal (Black cable) and the other meter lead to the positive battery post (not clamp) and the reading with the engine running should be less than 20 millivolts and this measures the positive side to the charging system such as the wires connections. Also, placing one meter lead on the alternator casing and the other lead to the negative battery post (not clamp) and the reading also should be less than 20 millivolts with engine running. This measures the grounds related to the charging system.

What are the wire colors for adding aftermarket radio
LTBlue/Red= 12v+
LtBlue/White= +Accessory
LtBlue/Yellow= -power ant trigger
Red/Black=+ Lumination
White=Factory Amp Turn on

Focus on the Blue/Red and the ground wire to see if they're loose at all.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 01:05 PM
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ah completly forgot. check all your grounds and clean them/make sure there all tight. not sure if this could cause it with the blinkers or not but its a good starting point for you.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 01:05 PM
  #7  
lunardeathgod's Avatar
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From: San Antonio, TX
Originally Posted by satch
With the car running take a voltage reading from the alternator. Red meter lead to the B+ terminal (single Black wire bolted to the side of alternator) and black meter lead to the negative battery terminal. Ideal reading will fall between 14.2 to 14.7 volts.

In addition you could take a meter lead to the B+ terminal (Black cable) and the other meter lead to the positive battery post (not clamp) and the reading with the engine running should be less than 20 millivolts and this measures the positive side to the charging system such as the wires connections. Also, placing one meter lead on the alternator casing and the other lead to the negative battery post (not clamp) and the reading also should be less than 20 millivolts with engine running. This measures the grounds related to the charging system.

What are the wire colors for adding aftermarket radio
LTBlue/Red= 12v+
LtBlue/White= +Accessory
LtBlue/Yellow= -power ant trigger
Red/Black=+ Lumination
White=Factory Amp Turn on

Focus on the Blue/Red and the ground wire to see if they're loose at all.
ok i didnt check that much into the alternator, i will try that out first then.
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 01:06 PM
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From: jordan ny
corrosion on the wires and where the bulbs are maybe?
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 01:42 PM
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The fact that your alternator tested "good" a few months ago is irrelevant.
You need to test it again because it's the most likely cause of your current problem.
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