the lights will not work with the timer removed unless you bypass it. It is obviousely not working or the light would stay on for a bit, so its suspect.

 

76 didn't have a light timer or anything fancy like that on the lights. Going by the schematics the delay wasn't available until 79 with RPO C-94...I don't have a 78 schematic, but the 77 schematic or earlier doesn't show any delay circuit.

Your best shop for the meter is an electronics store such as Fry's Electronics. You can order one through their online shop at outpost.com. Here's a nice meter for $40...note that it can measure DC current upto 10A:

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/456...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

The cheaper ones won't measure current any higher than like 1A which is not useful for automotive circuit testing where normal current draws on everything except lights and starter are at least 2 amps, and the lights will draw at least 20 amps and the starter like 600amp spikes. Which reminds me...don't turn your lights on or try to start the car with the meter attached.

 

Try to buy a meter with an internal fuse.

 

can I just remove the timer, I don't drive the car at night so I really don't need the lights. Hopefully very soon this will move from my daily driver car to pampered fixed up vette for sunday drives.

 

never mind about the timer ??? Computer didn't show other post about not having a timer. Will try to find meter after the hurricane passes thru.

 

BC76, where are you located? If your in the hurricane zone sounds like your down here close somewhere. If so I can help you out.

 

I dont' know when it started, but there was a courtesey light delay timer before 76. It's a sliver cylinder that looks like a flasher, tucked up over the speedometer. The solid-state timer was introduced in late 77 or 78.

 

I'm in Orlando, turned out to be nothing here though.Hope it wasn't to bad down there. Thanks for the offer.
I am begining to wonder if the alt. just doesn't have a chance to charge the battery. I only drive a mile to work and then back. with the air running. I don't even get the car to 30mph.

 

I seriously doubt thats the problem. Did you try pulling the ctsy fuse and leave it over night?

 

no butt I can do that now and see what happens in the a.m..

 

run it for a while first if you dont have a charger

 

I've got one. Still raining here, so it'll have to wait till tomorrow. I know I can just pull fuses till the lights go out, but as a time saver do you happen to know which one it is?

 

the one labled CTSY. Mine is 81 so its different

 

Have you checked that the windshield wipers have gone completely through a cycle? I had this problem a few months ago. The wiper motor relay is energized when you flip the wiper swtich, but will complete the cycle even if the switch is immediately turned off.

I had intermittant control and ground wire connections at the motor and could flip the switch inside and hear the relay energize but the wipers didn't move. But the wiper motor has hot to the touch after turning off the key because it was trying to complete the cycle (and draining the battery at the same time).

I disconnected the wiper motor until I repaired it and no trouble since.

 

Progress: none
Tried to pull the fuse, blew out a different fuse. can't get either one out. it;s 93 degrees out. I'm mad. Going to the parts store again to buy a fuse puller and spare fuses.
I checked the alt. volt. out to battery, none at all now. There was the other day though.
Started the car and made sure all swithces were off. Windshield wipers thru their cycle, radio, lights etc
still waiting on meter.

 

In case you haven't checked them out already, you can usually get meters from hardware stores. (Ace, True Value, Home Depot, Lowes etc.)

 

Quick fix. I have the same problem. I just disconnect the negative from the battery when I am done driving and reconnect it when ready to go. Sloppy but it works until I find the draw.

 

I just picked up a nice Craftsman meter at Sears. They have some that are discontinued and I got a 10 amp model for $30, it was originally about $50.

 

I've installed the quck disconnect till I can locate the draw, but thanks for the tip.
Sears... man I hate malls, If the local ace hardware doesn't have one then I'll be off to sears.

 

Ok i finally get the meter and guess what happens on the way home. Yeah I,m driving the vette, the alt. burns up and just about caught on fire. It melted a vent tubing next to it
I believe this could be my problem. Back to the parts store.