Electrical problems

[koldcustoms]

One thing that stuck me is that the wiring harnesses (bundles), particularly under the dash board, are huge. I am beginning to think that induced voltage is a contributer to many of the electrical problems most of us have.

[Danglerb]

I don't think so, voltage is induced in a wire next to another wire when that second wire has a change in current flow. The higher the change in current per unit of time, the higher the induced voltage. Our cars are 12v DC with the only changes coming at events like turning the headlights on or off, and the power is handled by relays in the CE panel. Its also not a condition that would worsen over time, a brand new car would have the same induced voltages as a 20 year old one, so problems would be quickly weeded out in prototypes.

Corrosion, and deteriorating insulation are the most likely devils. I pulled the central electric panel on my 84 this weekend, and found a dozen or more connections with some green on them, and almost all were dark brown from oxidation.

[Alan in AZ]

Cars (especially of this vintage) are low voltage high current systems - induced voltages are not significant issues in general - because the wires that might have any (very low) voitages induced on them will require significant current for operational changes to occur. The only places this is not true are some sensors that are run with shielding in their cables. Even the ECU sensors are typically quite immune from minor induced noise because they too are low resistance (relatively) biassed as needed to avoid noise (e.g. pull up resistors most commonly).,

Don't worry about it - an Danglerb says - since we do have relatively high current on many connections terminal resistances are a much bigger factor in electrical operation.

Alan

[SeanR]

Corrosion is the worst, oh wait, previous owners that dick with the electrical are the worst.