hotaggie98

I have an 87 non turbo. Every time my step on the brake, all the instrument lights go dim. I thought I might have a bad brake light that drawn more power, but I unplugged all the brake lights and I still have the same problem.

On top of that, my starter always click-click and won't start until I step on the clutch several times. I even put in a new starter, but still have the same problem. It is so slugish when it turns over; therefore, the car won't start easily. I have to use a battery charger to assist the battery, so I don't think it's the battery problem at least.

Do I have some bad components somewhere, which drained my power so much that causes my car won't turn over fast enough to start.

Thanks for Helping.

Jake.

strikland

Sounds like somethings' grounding out somewhere.
That's about as useful as I am right now...

SureShot

My first guess is the primary ground.
It is common to all your symptoms.
You must have bright shinny metal to metal contact.
The battery ground clamp can look good on the outside and be corroded on the inside.

To test- with the engine running & the headlights on:
Measure the voltage drop from the alternator frame to the battery (-).
A good primary ground will show zero volts.
While you’re there measure the voltage drop from the alternator output post to the battery (+).
That should also show zero.

The basic grounds:
Battery to starter mount (primary ground).
Bell housing to firewall (carries all body electrical load- cheesy spade connector).
-- This may also be part of your problem.
Firewall to clutch slave mount (with a square capacitor noise filter on the end)
Exhaust system to body. (for the oxygen sensor)
ECU connector to floor plate.
Various eyelets coming out of the harnesses to connectors.
Pressure sensor mount to engine (aftermarket).

Start at the top of the list.
Many of us beef up the firewall to bell housing ground and add an alternator frame to coil mount ground.