lights hi/lo switch/pulsing

beamonk · 09-28-2002, 07:37 AM

Last nite my lights were pulsing from high to low, although the high beam indicator didn't come on. I put h4's in, the switch got overloaded(the high/low switch). I put in relays, but didn't replace the switch although I did put in a new headlight switch. The contacts got fried in the high low, but it still works, somewhat. It is very sensitive and the highs come on if I use the turn signal. My question is does this sound like the switch is making contact while driving or is this a charging system problem.?My grounds seem to be good and haven't had any charging system problems that I have seen as of yet.

Thanks all,

No big stereo or anything yet 76 model
marcos relays

Early_S_Man · 09-28-2002, 10:01 AM

John,

It sounds like an alternator or Voltage regulator problem to me, rarher than a stalk switch failing! To be sure you need to monitor the system Voltage while the pulsing is occuring. An analog Voltmeter or multimeter would be better and give better visual information than a 'flickering' digital readout!

Joeaksa · 10:50 AM

Had the same thing with my 85 model. Was the alternator going from 14.5 to 16 volts and making the lights go brighter! Needless to say it was not good for the car and I overhauled the alternator soon.

Get a volt ohm meter and check out your system while driving. I used a digital version and it would jump from the low to high side every few seconds...

Joe

beamonk · 09-28-2002, 01:57 PM

I guess I need to run a long line to the inside and get the girlfriend to be my moniter, it sounds like a regulator, but I am in denial. I guess I could run to the alt. shop down the street to get it checked. always something!
Thanks!

Joeaksa · 09-28-2002, 02:13 PM

Get in the car, clip the VOM leads to something in the interior, light wire, stereo power or the like and just drive! You will see it soon enough if its the alternator.

Joe

Early_S_Man · 09-28-2002, 02:31 PM

My standard recommendation is to build a special test lead using a 12 Volt power plug and a pair of banana plugs ... so the connection will be secure and safe from shorts! Make sure the cigarette lighter socket is clean, and use that power source to monitor system Voltage.

beamonk · 09-28-2002, 09:24 PM

drove about a 15 mile loop tonight, it was not as it was last nite, but I did notice the highs would come on on really big bumps, just touching the stalk turns on the high beams. Volt meter read 13.7 steady, 13.5 or 6 with high beams on. Me thinks it is the switch. Very steady on the volt meter.

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

I had similar situation - the high beams would come on when I used the turn signal and they would occasionally turn themsleves on and off by themselves. I replaced the switch and the problem went away!

beamonk · 09-30-2002, 08:30 PM

Well, youz guyz was right. Had it out tonight and lights got bright, up to about 16 or more amps. I guess it needs the rebuild, it is about the only thing I haven't gone through. Oh well, maybe one day it will be problem free, hell, everything is new!

Jdub · 10-01-2002, 07:30 AM

You did the right thing with the Marcos upgrade - I am learning the hard way!

Sure the alt. is a bit of a pain, but now you get to pull the alt., paint or polish the fan, and maybe paint the fan holder. Plus a new fan belt (keep the old one in the trunk!).

Cost me all of $85.00 for Acme here in Seattle to rebuild and put in a fresh regulator. Money very well spent.

Have your battery bench tested at this time (while the alt. is out). Trust me on this one!

John

Joeaksa · 10-01-2002, 07:49 AM

John,

Believe that you have two separate problems. My turn signal/high/low beams do the same thing from time to time. I just live with it for now but will put a new switch unit in there eventually.

If your voltage is going up to 16 volts, then there is no question... the alternator/regulator has gone tits up!

Joe