Hey all,

In the process of trying to figure out an issue with my electrical system. Seems my battery is not holding a charge, and will be having it checked. If that is cool, next step is to check out the alternator.

Question: Since I got the car (65 Coupe), the headlights, taillights, blinkers, etc., all have been really dim. This even occurs when the car is running and moving. Could that be battery problems, as in there is not enough juice to get them up to snuff? Checked the bulbs and they are all fine and the right kind.

 

The lights on these cars are notoriously dim. Check out here at JamesW's website - great upgrade. Mine are perfectly bright now. The taillight lenses can be cleaned with steel wool and I believe plastic cleaner, and that should help out. Good luck

 

This is great. Thanks.

 

buy some tri-bar halogens, ive heard good reviews for them

and clean your lenses

 

i say replace the alternator, and voltage regulator for sure, if your going to replace one be sure to replace the other. maybe a new solenoid too but you prolly dont need to

 

Before you do anything, take it up to your local auto store..(autozone, etc) and have them come out and check your electrical system. You may indeed find it's a weak battery or alternator.

 

Do I have to take the battery and alternator out of the car, or can they test it still connected?

 

they test connected

 

Cool. Good place to start. Thanks.

 

You may have a weak battery but that's not what's giving you dim lights. The battery is only for starting the car. Once it's running the alternator supplies the current/voltage to power everything. The voltage regulator controls the alternator output and limits the voltage to the battery to prevent it from being overcharged.

If you have access to a voltmeter check the battery with everything off to get a reading of battery voltage.(12v+) Start the car and check across the battery. The alternator should put out around 14.5 volts. If it still reads around 12v with the car running the alternator is not putting out. Here it gets tricky as it may be the alternator or it may be the regulator. Change them both.
If it reads 14.5v your problem is NOT the alternator or voltage regulator.

If you don't have a voltmeter an easier check is to start the car and disconnect the battery. If the alternator/voltage regulator circuit is working the car will continue to run. If it dies the circuit is defective. This ain't great for the regulator, so only disconnect it for a few seconds.