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ammeter jumping

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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 07:50 AM
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Default ammeter jumping

While my 76 is running either at idle or driving my ammeter jumps about every 15 seconds and the interior lights dim. Been looking for the problem, but have no idea which way to turn on this on. I have searched the forums and not found anything that has help yet. Thanks in advance for any help on this.
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 08:28 AM
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it sounds like you have a corroded connection. check the connections at the battery, alternator, horn relay, and (i hate to say) the fuse panel inside and also on the engine side of the firewall.
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 11:45 AM
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Most likely a grounding problem. If you have a set of jumper cables, try using one of them as a "dummy" grounding strap to diagnose your problem. Hook it from frame to engine and/or from battery ground to frame (that cable is behind the battery box) to see if your 'flickering' problem disappears. If you can isolate the problem to a specific ground strap/wire, just fix that wiring or connection.
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 11:49 AM
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pull the double wire plug from the alternator, red and black wire, and check for corrosion
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 04:41 PM
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Thanks so much, this gives me a few places to check out and see if any help, I sure do hope one of these is the problem, if not I will just keep looking. Wish I had a liitle more knowledge on the electrical side of these cars.
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 06:42 PM
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Mine was jumping constantly at idle. It would smooth out at higher RPMs. I pulled off the alternator and had it checked, and then repaired at a local starter shop. Even though it was recently rebuilt it needed some attention.All is well now...
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