Voltage light out and car won't charge
09-01-2021, 05:13 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Voltage light out and car won't charge
My 1980 US spec won't charge. Ive pulled the Paris-Rhone alternator and had it professionally tested (said to be good). Ive traced the blue wire all the way to the back of the gauge cluster and have continuity to that point. Ive pulled out the gauge cluster and have tested every bulb, including removing the voltage gauge from the cluster and testing for continuity in that circuit (includes the bulb) and it is good. But when I reconnect the alternator and gauge cluster and turn the key to the run position (car not started), the voltage warning light is not on. From what I can tell the light should be on with the car off but the key to run position. Does anyone have any ideas?
My next step is checking the ground leading from the gauge cluster, other than that I am lost.
My next step is checking the ground leading from the gauge cluster, other than that I am lost.
Last edited by Zshark; 09-01-2021 at 05:15 PM.
09-01-2021, 08:24 PM
#2
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Thread Starter
Everyone can breathe easy! It was user error. Once I had the alternator properly grounded it completed the circuit and the voltage light is back on. Previously I had it uninstalled and therefore ungrounded. Now I need to complete about 15 "while you're in there" jobs and then I will see if I have a charging shark.
09-24-2021, 11:55 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
I have a charging shark. I believe that the alternator exciter circuit was broken at the connection point in the gauge pod. I glued down the copper contacts on the circuit film on the back of the gauge cluster and plugged it back in to the car and the voltage warning light now works. The car is now charging as it should.
09-25-2021, 10:41 AM
#5
Team Owner
I used a dab of super glue, to attach the strips.
NOTE the metal has to be swabbed clean with alcohol before you apply the glue.I use a Q tip.
then after the strip is attached,
get a small piece of 1000 grit paper and lightly abrade the metal contact strip to remove any glue.
the super glue can cover the metal strip and cause the contact to not be made, BTDT
NOTE the metal has to be swabbed clean with alcohol before you apply the glue.I use a Q tip.
then after the strip is attached,
get a small piece of 1000 grit paper and lightly abrade the metal contact strip to remove any glue.
the super glue can cover the metal strip and cause the contact to not be made, BTDT
09-25-2021, 12:06 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
I also used super glue. Smallest dot possible. I actually applied the glue to a tooth pick and then to the underside of the metal tab. I also added a piece of packing tape to the very leading edge of the metal strips so that the edge would not get folded over when plugging the harness back in.