Headlight voltage?

[SlowToady]

I'm trying to figure out why my headlights are so dim, I replaced them with some 55W Halogens from GE and they aren't much better. Hardly better at all.

I tested the voltage at the battery and got 13.5V. I tested the voltage at the lights and got 11.5V. Bear with me, I'm not very good with electronics...

Is there a relay between the headlight switch and the headlights? If so, where do I find it? I'm having trouble reading the wiring diagram in the Haynes manual.

I'm just trying to figure out if 11.5V is too low and if so, what I can do to correct it.

I'm going to go back to the Haynes manual, looking forward to replies...Thanks guys!

[bryanthompson]

No relay in a stock setup. clean all of your grounds and you'll probably see a little improvement.

Since the juice runs through the switch, would a dirty switch cause this?

[SlowToady]

Since there is no relay, I should be able to test the headlight switch, also, and get the same 11.5V result, right? I think so..Can you disassemble the headlight switches to check em out?

Gonna go find some grounds while I am at it.

[ae1969]

The easy but pricey fix is Icesharks light kit.........

It addresses many problems with the stock wiring setup....
- lousy ground cables
- lack of relays for the lights
- inadequate guage wires etc

[SlowToady]

ae,

I was thinking about that but I wasn't sure if it was a true fix or a fix that just helps out. I understand a bit more about it now, and it's a True Fix(tm). (I'm on a kick lately where there are no more "ghetto" repairs going on on this car. I'm doing it the Right Way.) If only I had the spare cash for the IS kit.

Barring that, what can I do? I was thinking about taking the switch out and checking the voltage on it, but I have no idea what two wires to test:-P Yea, I'm a novice.

Thanks!

[bryanthompson]

his kit will change your life

IceShark, when you read this... the AutoZone monkey messed with my voltage regulator (the adjustable one from your kit), and I'm paranoid to stick it back in the alternator. How can I make sure it's adjusted correctly so I don't start frying things?

[SlowToady]

STOP TEMPTING ME I don't have a job right now

Although it *would* be nice to see what is in front of me at night...

[SoCal Driver]

Battery voltage goes through one of the red wires running off of the positive terminal into the car. Take it apart and clean (emery cloth) the surfaces.

Also check the ground from the battery to the chassis. The headlights ground on the frame rails just behind the buckets.

[bigyagi]

slowtoady, 13.5 volts seems just a little on the low side. i recently had my alternator rebuilt, and just b4 it crapped out, i measured 13.5 volts, when running. after the rebuild, now seeing 14.8 volts, and can really notice the difference with the lights.
maybe time to look at the brush's/and or the regulator pack.
bob.

[SlowToady]

That's interesting...I had to have my Alternator rebuilt, so I figured that was all good. I wonder if he replaced the voltage regulator, and if he, if he used the correct one. I told him what kind of car it came out of.

Is that 14.8V at idle, or under thottle?

SoCal, thanks for the tips. Hopefully I can find time tonight to do that.

What a learning experience....

[SoCal Driver]

Originally posted by SlowToady


What a learning experience....

That is way the 944 is referred to as a "hobby car". You have to do all the maintenance yourself. In the process you learn.

[SlowToady]

SoCal,

I definately got the right car then! I was looking for something that I could work on and learn on, and that's exactly what the 944 is, although I'm still a bit afraid of electrial systems (started on a Taurus, a rather..shocking experience). Of course, having people like yourself and the other members around helps more than a little Thanks to you.

Going to replace the v-reg/brushes, clean the switch, and possibly replace the headlight wires. I'm so excited at the prospect of good lights!!

[SoCal Driver]

Don't need to replace any wires. Just clean the connections at the battery and at the chassis ground. Don't put 100 watt headlamps in the car. Do put in H-4 lenses and "regular" bulbs.

Remeber: A clean ground is a happy ground.

[SlowToady]

Just thought I'd update...Cleaned headlight grounds and headlight connectors and now V@ Right Light = 12.07 and V@ Left Light = 11.9. Maybe the grounds on the left light need a little more work? Not sure. Any suggestions?

[SoCal Driver]

Keep cleaning.

[SlowToady]

Will rubbing alcohol take the corrision(sp?) off the connections?

[AaronM]

Wire brush and a baking soda and water solution.

[SoCal Driver]

And cloth backed sand paper -- emery cloth.

[pokey]

Try some Blaster CC (contact cleaner). The place I found it is https://www.expeditionexchange.com/blaster/

[Tapage]

And WD40 also function well ..?