Diagnostic Help Please
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Diagnostic Help Please
I have a 1980 with L48 and manual transmission.
When I turn on the headlights, a constant audible alarm (beeeeeeeeep) sounds from under the steering wheel and the temperature guage pushes the needle to the maximum.
The moment I turn off the lights the temperature guage returns to normal, however it takes a minute for the audible alarm to slowly stop.
What could be causing this?
It started when I recently installed a new 70 amp alternator purchased from Ecklers (part # 478). I also installed a new battery from Sears (a very basic model with 550 cold cranking amps).
The alternator produces significantly higher amps than the stock alternator but is designed to work with this car. It is charging the battery well -the amps guage reads steadily at @ 13 amps.
Thanks in advance for any help!
When I turn on the headlights, a constant audible alarm (beeeeeeeeep) sounds from under the steering wheel and the temperature guage pushes the needle to the maximum.
The moment I turn off the lights the temperature guage returns to normal, however it takes a minute for the audible alarm to slowly stop.
What could be causing this?
It started when I recently installed a new 70 amp alternator purchased from Ecklers (part # 478). I also installed a new battery from Sears (a very basic model with 550 cold cranking amps).
The alternator produces significantly higher amps than the stock alternator but is designed to work with this car. It is charging the battery well -the amps guage reads steadily at @ 13 amps.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If your electrical system is working correctly, the amp gauge should read "0" amps, once the battery has been charged fully. The meter should only read a charge or discharge when the battery is not in balance. I suspect there is a grounding problem in the car...either due to the recent installation of the alternator or because of a wiring problem with the lighting circuit.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
If your electrical system is working correctly, the amp gauge should read "0" amps, once the battery has been charged fully. The meter should only read a charge or discharge when the battery is not in balance. I suspect there is a grounding problem in the car...either due to the recent installation of the alternator or because of a wiring problem with the lighting circuit.
