Electrical issue in 1980 C3
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City
Electrical issue in 1980 C3
I have installed new dash wiring, and had a new stereo put in our 1980.
I was driving with the windows down and a CD playing, all was good. However when I turned the AC on (after getting new belts so the AC belt wouldn't squeal) then the stereo and power windows would quit working. When I switched the AC off then the stereo would play again and the power windows would work.
It is not blowing fuses. But it did drain the battery, the stereo was still on when I turned it off. The next day it would not start, I had to charge the battery.
It seems there isn't enough juice to power the AC AND the CD player, along with the power windows being able to operate.
What do you think the problem is and most importantly the solution?
Thanks!
Marty
I was driving with the windows down and a CD playing, all was good. However when I turned the AC on (after getting new belts so the AC belt wouldn't squeal) then the stereo and power windows would quit working. When I switched the AC off then the stereo would play again and the power windows would work.
It is not blowing fuses. But it did drain the battery, the stereo was still on when I turned it off. The next day it would not start, I had to charge the battery.
It seems there isn't enough juice to power the AC AND the CD player, along with the power windows being able to operate.
What do you think the problem is and most importantly the solution?
Thanks!
Marty
Last edited by mtydings; Aug 26, 2021 at 12:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,740
Likes: 2,583
Who installed the radio?
Sounds like they did some faulty wiring, the stereo should not be draining the battery unless it is old or the alternator is not sufficiently charging it.
When you say AC, do you mean the fan is not working or it is working and not blowing cold?
Sounds like they did some faulty wiring, the stereo should not be draining the battery unless it is old or the alternator is not sufficiently charging it.
When you say AC, do you mean the fan is not working or it is working and not blowing cold?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 225
Check your voltage at the battery with the engine running, Then turn on the radio, then operate the windows, then finally the a/c. What is the voltage reading at the battery with all 3 turned on? If it's less than 13 volts, then your alternator is suspect. If it has weak diodes, voltage will probably be a lot less than 13.
Last edited by Mrvettenick; Aug 26, 2021 at 02:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City
A guy I had do a lot of work on it installed the stereo. He put the new interior in for me and replaced power window and lock wiring, etc etc.
The AC just won't let the stereo or power windows work when it is on. The CD will be playing and I'll turn the AC on and it will not the stereo off along with the power windows, AND it doesn't blow much anyway. Checking the alternator this week. It has been so hot I have not messed with it this week. But next week will be much cooler so it will be time to get back to it. Thanks for the help!
The AC just won't let the stereo or power windows work when it is on. The CD will be playing and I'll turn the AC on and it will not the stereo off along with the power windows, AND it doesn't blow much anyway. Checking the alternator this week. It has been so hot I have not messed with it this week. But next week will be much cooler so it will be time to get back to it. Thanks for the help!
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