Hers one for the Gurus - Dash Electrical

firefighter7128 · firefighter7128's Garage

I have a plethera of electrical issues. It may be starting here. As i drive and sometimes when stopped and occasionally when the car is off i can hear a clicking sound behind the gauges. sounds like a jacked up relay trying to do its thing. or maybe a bad flasher that doesnt work right. Flashers all work fine. What could it be? is there a relay inside the dash?

John_AZ · 08-19-2008, 05:41 AM

Matt,
The bold type-is this from your PSAs over at 92.1 KKEG?

Car problems, crazy drivers and lack of sleep.

I just solved my electrical problems with the '87. Replaced the alternator with a 115 amp rebuilt unit (90 amp stock). I did all the standard tests, remove old alt and take to shop for test-OK. New volt reg. Cables and ends OK. Problems continued...thermofan relay burned out, cooling fan relay contacts bad, fuel pump began to hum louder......

The higher amp alternator fixed my electrical gremlins. The old alternator, while testing OK could not keep up with the old aging car electrical system-my view.
Parts that began to draw a little higher amperage and old wiring and connections that were more resistive?

This may not solve the clicking in your dash. The gounds are the first place to start and then clean every connection. The fan cooler relay may be making the sound when it activates the fans.

GL
John_AZ
1988 924S + 1987 924S

firefighter7128 · firefighter7128's Garage

well i have gone thru all 7 ground points. i still dont have a window that goes down and all marker lights do not work on pass side. headlights and turn signals work fine.

John_AZ · 08-19-2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firefighter7128

well i have gone thru all 7 ground points. i still dont have a window that goes down and all marker lights do not work on pass side. headlights and turn signals work fine.

Windows. Usually the switch will not make ground. Some have success with carefully cleaning-when you open the switch springs will fly. New switches will fix but may only last a couple of years.

Side markers. Did you check the bulbs? These are 4W special- get from PP. Local parts houses may give you a generic 1393 bulb? Some generic get very hot and may not work.

Still sounds like weak alternator, VR or battery.

John_AZ

firefighter7128 · firefighter7128's Garage

Alt seems to be charging fine. All lights worked then all of a sudden they didnt.
Had a problem with rain water not draining and filling the batt and fuse box compartment.
batt seems ok. i have had it on a charger all night and still, no lights. bulbs Apear ok exept one which was rusted up. We removed that for now until we find the issue. will removing a bulb stop current to other bulbs?

hpservertech · 08-19-2008, 08:26 AM

No it wont.

Check the resistance of the main ground cable from the battery to where it attaches on the block & belhousing.

I would also check the resistance of the main positive cable from the battery to the starter....with the battery disconnected.

Those cables crack on the inside and start to corrode, any napa store can make you a new one.

hpservertech · 08-19-2008, 08:27 AM

Oh, and on a late car there are no stock relays behind the dash. PO could of put one in for an alarm, but the stock ones are in the main panel in the engine compartment.