Pod turns into a Christmas tree
06-29-2014, 11:16 PM
#1
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Pod turns into a Christmas tree
Hello All,
I have an '80 US 4.5L 5-speed with 53,102 miles on it. Everything works, it is a very nice tight driving car.
When I first picked up the car the central warning light would go off on rare occasions. When it did the entire pod would light up like a Christmas tree and so that I was able to read all of the messages stored in the pod that are usually dark. Same time the exclamation mark under the HVAC controls would go off as well and if I pressed this button (to clear the error) it had no effect on the Christmas tree pod which remained lit up.
The only way I could find to clear it was to turn the car off/on again and the pod would return to normal on restart.
A few months down the road the 'pod Christmas tree' occurrence has increased so that now it lights up every time I drive the car.
It does not happen when the engine is cold.
So far it only happens when the engine is at running temperature.
The car runs perfectly well when the Christmas tree is lit up and accelerates hard to redline no problem.
About the only issue I can see when the pod lights up is the voltage gauge drops from its usual 13.5v to 12, 11 or 10v depending on what accessories are on.
Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing?
Fyi - the alternator is new and the problem persisted after replacing the alternator.
thx in advance
Richard
I have an '80 US 4.5L 5-speed with 53,102 miles on it. Everything works, it is a very nice tight driving car.
When I first picked up the car the central warning light would go off on rare occasions. When it did the entire pod would light up like a Christmas tree and so that I was able to read all of the messages stored in the pod that are usually dark. Same time the exclamation mark under the HVAC controls would go off as well and if I pressed this button (to clear the error) it had no effect on the Christmas tree pod which remained lit up.
The only way I could find to clear it was to turn the car off/on again and the pod would return to normal on restart.
A few months down the road the 'pod Christmas tree' occurrence has increased so that now it lights up every time I drive the car.
It does not happen when the engine is cold.
So far it only happens when the engine is at running temperature.
The car runs perfectly well when the Christmas tree is lit up and accelerates hard to redline no problem.
About the only issue I can see when the pod lights up is the voltage gauge drops from its usual 13.5v to 12, 11 or 10v depending on what accessories are on.
Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing?
Fyi - the alternator is new and the problem persisted after replacing the alternator.
thx in advance
Richard
06-30-2014, 09:11 AM
#2
Team Owner
when the alternator fails, this turns on all of the warning lights, so you have a failing alternator or brushes or wire connection.
Check wire connections, then the brushes, if no joy then remove the alternator for testing.
NOTE pay close attention to the wires at the 14 pin connector and the thick wires at the Hot post odds are you have shedding insulation
Check wire connections, then the brushes, if no joy then remove the alternator for testing.
NOTE pay close attention to the wires at the 14 pin connector and the thick wires at the Hot post odds are you have shedding insulation
07-04-2014, 12:39 AM
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when the alternator fails, this turns on all of the warning lights, so you have a failing alternator or brushes or wire connection.
Check wire connections, then the brushes, if no joy then remove the alternator for testing.
NOTE pay close attention to the wires at the 14 pin connector and the thick wires at the Hot post odds are you have shedding insulation
Check wire connections, then the brushes, if no joy then remove the alternator for testing.
NOTE pay close attention to the wires at the 14 pin connector and the thick wires at the Hot post odds are you have shedding insulation
Sofar I have replaced the alternator with a CS130 using a Painless adaptor. There are excellent threads on the board describing this job and it was easy work. The car started first time and the charging situation is vastly improved. While I was underneath I took a good look at the wiring to the alternator, all in good condition.
I consulted Colin who also suggested I service the 14 pin connector, he showed me how to spread the connectors to ensure strong contact. Later I applied some dialectic grease and the problem has only shown itself only once since then. This is a substantial improvement.
When servicing the harness I noticed one of the thick (red) wires was chaffed where it rubbed against the underside of the fender. It was not all the way thru to the core but I don't think it needs to be to cause trouble. For now I applied some electricians tape and a flexible plastic guard to the effected area to further shield the wire.
Sofar it is behaving itself. No more christmas trees in my pod.
Also should note after the alternator upgrade and the servicing to the pin connector the car is driving much better. Idle, acceleration, responsiveness are all improved.
Best regards,
Richard
07-04-2014, 01:31 AM
#4
Nordschleife Master
when the alternator fails, this turns on all of the warning lights, so you have a failing alternator or brushes or wire connection.
Check wire connections, then the brushes, if no joy then remove the alternator for testing.
NOTE pay close attention to the wires at the 14 pin connector and the thick wires at the Hot post odds are you have shedding insulation
Check wire connections, then the brushes, if no joy then remove the alternator for testing.
NOTE pay close attention to the wires at the 14 pin connector and the thick wires at the Hot post odds are you have shedding insulation
Thank-you for your post.
Sofar I have replaced the alternator with a CS130 using a Painless adaptor. There are excellent threads on the board describing this job and it was easy work. The car started first time and the charging situation is vastly improved. While I was underneath I took a good look at the wiring to the alternator, all in good condition.
I consulted Colin who also suggested I service the 14 pin connector, he showed me how to spread the connectors to ensure strong contact. Later I applied some dialectic grease and the problem has only shown itself only once since then. This is a substantial improvement.
When servicing the harness I noticed one of the thick (red) wires was chaffed where it rubbed against the underside of the fender. It was not all the way thru to the core but I don't think it needs to be to cause trouble. For now I applied some electricians tape and a flexible plastic guard to the effected area to further shield the wire.
Sofar it is behaving itself. No more christmas trees in my pod.
Also should note after the alternator upgrade and the servicing to the pin connector the car is driving much better. Idle, acceleration, responsiveness are all improved.
Best regards,
Richard
Sofar I have replaced the alternator with a CS130 using a Painless adaptor. There are excellent threads on the board describing this job and it was easy work. The car started first time and the charging situation is vastly improved. While I was underneath I took a good look at the wiring to the alternator, all in good condition.
I consulted Colin who also suggested I service the 14 pin connector, he showed me how to spread the connectors to ensure strong contact. Later I applied some dialectic grease and the problem has only shown itself only once since then. This is a substantial improvement.
When servicing the harness I noticed one of the thick (red) wires was chaffed where it rubbed against the underside of the fender. It was not all the way thru to the core but I don't think it needs to be to cause trouble. For now I applied some electricians tape and a flexible plastic guard to the effected area to further shield the wire.
Sofar it is behaving itself. No more christmas trees in my pod.
Also should note after the alternator upgrade and the servicing to the pin connector the car is driving much better. Idle, acceleration, responsiveness are all improved.
Best regards,
Richard
This was the cause of the 'Christmas tree', no doubt. That line will in fact have some small exposure contacting the body.
Electrical tape as a brief stop gap, but quality redo there is required.
Add: Stan, great pics in OT.
Last edited by MainePorsche; 07-04-2014 at 01:54 AM.