Losing it on the electric

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ruckman101
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Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Fri Dec 27, 2013 3:25 pm

So it started when the headlight switch came loose from the dash on our 1979 Ghia, Gretchen. Couldn't turn of the headlights because the entire unit just shoved into the trunk. Simple enough. Took off the knob and using cir-clip pliers got the escutcheon back on.

Now the emergency flasher and turn signals don't work. Opened the hood and saw that when the headlight switch pushed in, the wiring behind it did also, which pulled apart the emergency flasher switch. Replaced it with a spare I had, which had two additional connectors I assumed weren't needed for my application. Emergency flashers back to working.

Turned on the electric with the key to test the turn signals. Noticed the oil warning light was no longer lighting, and turn signals still aren't working. I get the light on the dash, but no blinking.

Discouraged, I called it a day. Today, shocker, no change. Pulled the tail light lenses and sure enough, the turn signal bulb on the passenger side was blown. Replaced it recently, too. Reverse bulb was shot, too. I thought maybe with the car running the turn signals would blink. Now the car won't even turn over. Nothing. Headlights seem fine. Horn hasn't worked for a spell.

So annoyed. I don't know where to start.


neal
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ruckman101
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Fri Dec 27, 2013 5:27 pm

Had it wired correctly. Original that pulled apart was 111 953 235F. Replaced with 211 953 235A. Could it be a weak battery? It is on it's last legs. Measured 12.37 volts.


neal
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ruckman101
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:37 pm

Weak battery. Was checking the flashers and noticed they were slow and weak. Battery was under 12 volts. Finally put the charger on and at 12.9 volts, turn signals work, car starts. Time for a new battery.

neal
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ruckman101
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Sun Dec 29, 2013 4:04 pm

I guess the question now is why do I have a 311 963 141 relay in the engine compartment, and where does the disconnected wire with an inline fuse connect?


neal
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ruckman101
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Sun Dec 29, 2013 4:38 pm

And why the headlights no longer work.
And why the ATF light is now glowing on the speedometer. Automatic Transmission Fluid temp? Huh? Standard four speed transmission. WTF?

neal
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glasseye
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by glasseye » Sun Dec 29, 2013 6:29 pm

Oh woe. My sympathies. I hate electrical problems.

Sounds like my current battle with the Honda riding mower. After 13 years of flawless performance. No crank. Should be easy, right?

But no.

Sending good multimeter vibes your way.
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Bleyseng
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by Bleyseng » Sun Dec 29, 2013 6:34 pm

Ghia wiring is creative but the ATF light is a dummy so you must have installed the wrong one in the ATF hole. :bootyshake:
All my dash wiring is painted black do I have fun tracing down wires
Geoff
77 Sage Green Westy- CS 2.0L-160,000 miles
70 Ghia vert, black, stock 1600SP,- 139,000 miles,
76 914 2.1L-Nepal Orange- 160,000+ miles
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Amskeptic
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by Amskeptic » Mon Dec 30, 2013 7:38 am

Bleyseng wrote: All my dash wiring is painted black do I have fun tracing down wires
That is nightmare. Enjoy. It is like a Sunday NYT puzzle.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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Bleyseng
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by Bleyseng » Mon Dec 30, 2013 8:56 am

Yes, but I have learned where everything is or should be and have corrected all the wiring problems except the horn. Damn horn doesn't work. Finding the chopped and spliced main harness wiring fixed a lot of goofy problems too.
Geoff
77 Sage Green Westy- CS 2.0L-160,000 miles
70 Ghia vert, black, stock 1600SP,- 139,000 miles,
76 914 2.1L-Nepal Orange- 160,000+ miles
http://bleysengaway.blogspot.com/

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hambone
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by hambone » Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:35 pm

Neal it all comes down to long tedious time tracing wires with a wiring diagram.
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ruckman101
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Mon Dec 30, 2013 3:18 pm

May have it resolved. Fat hands in tight spaces pulled a spade connector off the fuse panel. Thought one headlight would still work, so don't know for sure yet. Buttoning things back up. Man do I need a new battery.

neal
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ruckman101
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Re: Losing it on the electric

Post by ruckman101 » Mon Dec 30, 2013 3:36 pm

Victory! No brights, no horn will wait for another day.

neal
The slipper has no teeth.

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