ELECTRICAL DRAIN

Tiny
STRANDHOG
  • MEMBER
  • PLYMOUTH
I have a 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite Convertible with the 318, automatic tranny, & A/C. I recently had the motor rebuilt by a reputable shop in San Diego, so everything under the hood is brand spanking new. When the work was done, the car was shipped to Orlando, FL where I recently moved. When driving at night, the voltmeter would run at 14 volts and then for no apparent reason, it would drop to 8 volts & the lights would go dim. Then in a minute it would bounce back up to 14 volts and the lights get bright again. I was finding I had to leave a trickle charge on it if I didn't use the car daily otherwise the battery would die. I removed the negative battery cable from the battery and hooked up a test light to the negative battery post with the other end to the negative battery cable. The test light will glow fairly bright, but then immediately go dim, and then go out. If it tested it again right away it would not light. If I wait a few minutes it would glow and extinguish as before. I disconnected the alternator leads and the drain remains. I remove all fuses one by one and the light test exhibits the same results. I pull the top middle and lower plugs off the wiring harness bulkhead connector and the light still lights. Now start removing and replacing the fuses one by one until the light goes out. I am perplexed and frustrated. Any suggestions? I believe this fix is beyond my capabilities. If I can't correct it myself, what type of shop should I bring it to? Thanx for your time and help! - Tom
Wednesday, January 24th, 2007 AT 7:02 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds like you have gone right down the list of things to do.I know its frustrating but keep unplugging anything hooked up to power until you get a result. Otherwise a shop that specializes in electrical would be the best bet
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Wednesday, January 24th, 2007 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
This look like a low- or intermittent- charging rate.
Check for lose or damaged drive belt
recheck your alternator knowing that everything is new.
Check also the voltagee regulator and poor terminal connections.
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Thursday, January 25th, 2007 AT 1:09 PM

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