Charging system diagram/ question
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 12
From: TEXAS
I will make a new post but I’ve realized that it is not the charging system. I’ve realised that my battery is charging fine but there is a short or ground issue somewhere. There is plenty of power available but the system seems to not be able to handle it. As soon as I turn the key to the run/on position all the lights start flickering and the engine cannot turn over. I’m thinking it’s the starter switch.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 556
From: PA
That could be, but keep in mind most if not all the lighting circuits do not run through the ignition switch, the dash lights go through the ignition switch so do turn signals but even they are controlled by relays.
Try jumping the starter i.e. take a piece of wire and and jump the solenoid to the starter motor, if it cranks good then at least you know the starter is good, you can start to figure out where your problem is from there.
You can never be sure but that sounds like a ground issue, good luck
Try jumping the starter i.e. take a piece of wire and and jump the solenoid to the starter motor, if it cranks good then at least you know the starter is good, you can start to figure out where your problem is from there.
You can never be sure but that sounds like a ground issue, good luck
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 12
From: TEXAS
I Fixed it!
Sorry I forgot to update this but I was able to totally fix the problem! It was a combined issue of bad battery terminals and a failing alternator. I replaced both which was surprisingly easy overall and 2000 miles later I have had zero issues.
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 12
From: TEXAS
I Fixed it! (Continued)
I feel I left out some details. So I first replaced the alternator. That fixed my other problem that my old alternator couldn’t produce enough power for much more than the basic systems and the sometimes headlights(so no radio, interior lights, convertible top motor, etc.). Although even after that I still could rarely get the car to not act possessed when I put the key in and much less turn over. Eventually my neighbor pointed out how corroded my terminals were by cutting open the wire. Which this now explains why when I would try to jumpstart it would sometimes work depending on how good the connect was. So once I cut the old terminals and spliced on some new ends with a bit of soldering work abd elbow grease everything started working perfectly.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
