Dim Dash lights / Alternator Gauge Show Discharge

[James W.]

Recently and again last Saturday I have noticed that the when I drive the car the dash lights have become dim and the alternator gauge is showing a discharge condition. I took some time and checked all of the electrical system connections in the engine compartment and found that one of the screws that hold the horn relay connections was loose. I found that the threads on the screw were stripped. I went down to my parts stash and found an old original horn relay and use one to the screws to replace the damaged one on the car. This seems to have fixed the dim dash lights and alternator gauge discharge condition. Could it be that simple?


Thanks,

James West

[Edward J.]

Re: Dim Dash lights / Alternator Gauge Show Discharge

Jim I would say yes, You likely had a voltage drop on that red wire.

[Mark E.]

Re: Dim Dash lights / Alternator Gauge Show Discharge

Good troubleshooting, James.

Many would have replaced the alternator and regulator before discovering the root cause.

[David M.]

Re: Dim Dash lights / Alternator Gauge Show Discharge

Good troubleshooting, James.

Many would have replaced the alternator and regulator before discovering the root cause.

Agreed. Root cause analysis is key. Never toss parts at a problem...Shainin...

#1 over looked thing in these negative ground systems IS the grounds. Check clean and tighten every ground you can get your hands on. And dont ignore the positives either. \

Most of us forget a even a 10 year old car needs attention here. A 40-50-60 +/- year old car will undoubtedly have questionable high resistance grounds. More so if its never been apart or has been very long time since the resto.
Engine ground straps on all cars and the negative cable on C3s comes to mind.