Hi.

I'm new to the RX-7 world... I got my '88 SE on monday from a family friend. The car (engine) is in very good condition. However, starting yesterday, it seems that there are some charging problems with the battery? I have to jump-start the battery everytime I start the car. I replaced batteries with one that was in my celica...not purchased so long ago... maybe 4 or 5 months? When it's started, everything seems fine (voltmeter is at 14/15). I drove for about half an hour on a local highway (I-270) and it didn't seem to charge the battery. I'm under the impression that once an alternator needs replacing...the car won't even run.

Also... I noticed while driving that hitting the brakes would sort of dim/flash the headlights (alternator not pumping out enough power? I think the alternator is a remanufactured one...I believe 65 amps...dunno... that's a guess from random numbers on the sticker) and also using turn signals would make the voltmeter jump erratically (only 1 or 2 volts around 14...). In my previous car...a celica (blah), it would be a more steady jump as the turn signal was turned on.

Also... while going straight... the top of the steering wheel is facing almost 90 degrees to the right??? Weird... because the car doesn't veer to any side while the steering wheel is untouched...


Thanks to whoever replies to this!
Sorry if some things aren't too clear... I did work all day and I have been drinking brews

 

Lol, a whole world of problems... First off, if it is the alternator becareful jumping it cause you can damage the other battery. The alternator is what i would check first if the battery isnt charging and you get power glitches like with the brakes... as far as the steering wheel goes only thing i know of is take the bolt cover off and see ifs its on straight...

 

Check your positive battery terminal closely for corrosion, clean it up some if it's gunky...

Also check down the harness of the pos cable a bit and make sure that the smaller wires (compared to the big one) are still spliced in to the bigger one nice & tight (might have to unwrap some tape to do this)...

Your headlights will dim a bit on brake application, those bulbs back there suck down 135 watts of power, and it takes a bit for the voltage regulator in the alt to kick up the load. As long as they don't dim drastically, you're OK. I've never stared at my voltmeter with the turn signals on, so I can't comment on that one, but again, those bulbs suck the juice...

You may also want to check out all of your important grounds on the car, as they tend to degrade with age. Do a search, you'll find tons of info on grounds. Also this:

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...roubleshooting

Discusses how to "clean up" the grounds...