1978 voltage fluctuation and other electrical issues
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1978 voltage fluctuation and other electrical issues
Hello esteemed corvette enthusiasts!
Recently the voltage gauge on the dash shows a high voltage reading...needle on gauge in the orange on the right. I do not have actual voltage readings with meter. Today, the voltage fluctuated as seen on the gauge from gauge center to far right. Also the headlight intensity fluctuates accordingly. Also today, with wipers on, the voltage dropped out while driving for a few seconds but did come back but still fluctuates between center and high on the gauge.
Is the first course of action to check the alternator and alternator connections?
Also, I lost dash lights a few years back with the mechanic indicating bare wires...I guess he cut them. Should I also consider replacing the dash harness or engine harness? If so, is there a decent how to guide?
Thanks all! T
Recently the voltage gauge on the dash shows a high voltage reading...needle on gauge in the orange on the right. I do not have actual voltage readings with meter. Today, the voltage fluctuated as seen on the gauge from gauge center to far right. Also the headlight intensity fluctuates accordingly. Also today, with wipers on, the voltage dropped out while driving for a few seconds but did come back but still fluctuates between center and high on the gauge.
Is the first course of action to check the alternator and alternator connections?
Also, I lost dash lights a few years back with the mechanic indicating bare wires...I guess he cut them. Should I also consider replacing the dash harness or engine harness? If so, is there a decent how to guide?
Thanks all! T
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 289
Likes: 32
Hello esteemed corvette enthusiasts!
Recently the voltage gauge on the dash shows a high voltage reading...needle on gauge in the orange on the right. I do not have actual voltage readings with meter. Today, the voltage fluctuated as seen on the gauge from gauge center to far right. Also the headlight intensity fluctuates accordingly. Also today, with wipers on, the voltage dropped out while driving for a few seconds but did come back but still fluctuates between center and high on the gauge.
Is the first course of action to check the alternator and alternator connections?
Also, I lost dash lights a few years back with the mechanic indicating bare wires...I guess he cut them. Should I also consider replacing the dash harness or engine harness? If so, is there a decent how to guide?
Thanks all! T
Recently the voltage gauge on the dash shows a high voltage reading...needle on gauge in the orange on the right. I do not have actual voltage readings with meter. Today, the voltage fluctuated as seen on the gauge from gauge center to far right. Also the headlight intensity fluctuates accordingly. Also today, with wipers on, the voltage dropped out while driving for a few seconds but did come back but still fluctuates between center and high on the gauge.
Is the first course of action to check the alternator and alternator connections?
Also, I lost dash lights a few years back with the mechanic indicating bare wires...I guess he cut them. Should I also consider replacing the dash harness or engine harness? If so, is there a decent how to guide?
Thanks all! T
It's very common for the small single-strand wire in the two wire plugin on the side of the alternator to break inside the insulation. You can buy replacement plugins (they call it a pigtail) from most auto parts stores for about $5. That could explain the alternator not charging and then charging but the high voltage would be caused by a failing voltage regulator and those are readily available over the internet for $10 or so.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
It's very common for the small single-strand wire in the two wire plugin on the side of the alternator to break inside the insulation. You can buy replacement plugins (they call it a pigtail) from most auto parts stores for about $5. That could explain the alternator not charging and then charging but the high voltage would be caused by a failing voltage regulator and those are readily available over the internet for $10 or so.
