Weenie Shrinking Electrical Problem - 80' 911 ROW Targa
 

Hello;

Got a problem here and I'm hoping that someone can help narrow it down. I just got my car back and find a new, serious electrical issue. It's been off the road for most of the summer. At first, it was because of a minor rear-end collision. Took care of that and sent it off to a repair shop for tires, alignment & new tie rods.

When it left for the shop, there was an issue with the alternator. The warning light would come on and stay on at anything above idle. The voltage was low, but charging. I had planned on taking care of that directly.

The only tinkering with anything electrical was sending the speedometer off to Pelican for an odometer repair. It was disconnected and reconnected. No problems. I should mention in case it helps with diagnosis that the speedometer now seems to be quite inaccurate at speeds about say 60-70ish. When I had sent it in, it was very accurate. I don't think that anything went wrong during the servicing but I thought I should mention this.

Anyway, I get the car back yesterday. Take it out for 30 miles or so at various speeds, etc. When I return and shut off the car, the alternator light now stays on. No key in the ignition. Turned off.... The light remains on. Another thing worth mentioning is that when you turn the ignition off, the speedometer "blips" up to 20mph.

Is there anything else I can add to help narrow it down?

Where should I start looking???

Help, help, help... Problems like this drive me nuts. Meanwhile, I'm sure my battery will be drained soon, if it isn't already... Anxiously awaiting input. Thanks in advance...






NSA

That sounds like a problem with a worn ignition switch ... continuing to provide power to the instruments after it is turned off. Any time power is available at the instruments ... and the engine isn't running, current should flow thru the bulb and through the slip-rings and field winding to ground.

bad alternator.

I believe I'd also want to check the wiring and operation of all the lights that had to be removed or replaced in clearing up the minor rear-end collision you mentioned. I agree the problem is probably the alternator but if everything was working prior to the accident I'd be suspicious of any circuitry that had to be moved or corrected.
Good Luck

SmileWavy