1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem
:eek: Last year I installed a reconditioned digital cluster
I purchased from Gene Tabor for my 1986 Convertible.
Lately when driving the car at night the cluster is pulsating.
Any thought on what might be causing this problem?
I purchased from Gene Tabor for my 1986 Convertible.
Lately when driving the car at night the cluster is pulsating.
Any thought on what might be causing this problem?
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Pflugerville TX
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (Bob Czar)
I had an 86 several years ago that did this. I could also see similar pulses on a voltmeter connected to the battery. When the alternator failed, and was replaced, the pulsating was gone. My guess is that the pulsating you see is related to the voltage regulator.
Good Luck
:cheers:
Dennis
GrandSport #598
Good Luck
:cheers:
Dennis
GrandSport #598
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 3
From: Hazel Park MI
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (Bob Czar)
Ny "85 did the same thing - and it was my battery. So it is probably something electrical. It only was noticeable at night like yours, and at first I thought it might be the photocell in the dash. But it turned out to be the battery. :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (GS-598)
I had an 86 several years ago that did this. I could also see similar pulses on a voltmeter connected to the battery. When the alternator failed, and was replaced, the pulsating was gone. My guess is that the pulsating you see is related to the voltage regulator.
Good Luck
:cheers:
Dennis
GrandSport #598
Good Luck
:cheers:
Dennis
GrandSport #598
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,381
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
When the alternator failed, and was replaced, the pulsating was gone. My guess is that the pulsating you see is related to the voltage regulator.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (Bob Czar)
The voltage regulator in your alternator is oscillating. If you look at the waveform across the battery you will see it. With the engine off, you will not see the pulsing, nor when the engine is running and you pull the plug on the alternator. Its time for new alternator.
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Cruising
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
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From: Chicago NW Suburbs IL
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (ZylaRace)
Same, Alternator rectifier went bad. Take the alternator off and take it to a quality autoparts store and have it tested. They can tell you if the rectifier is good or not. You can also see this on some GM cars in the tail lights, they seem to pulse brighter and dimmer. I had my alternator rebuilt by a local company for $20. This way I make sure I don't inherit someone else's "lemon".
BTW, the rectifier is what converts the AC voltage to DC. When part of the rectifier dies, you might be passing AC to the rest of your car. This is one of the things you need to fix sooner, rather than later to prevent damaging other components.
BTW, the rectifier is what converts the AC voltage to DC. When part of the rectifier dies, you might be passing AC to the rest of your car. This is one of the things you need to fix sooner, rather than later to prevent damaging other components.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (Bob Czar)
I just re-installed my rebuilt alternator and it did not take care of
the pulsating problem. It seems to pulsate at night and not during the
day. At least I know my alternator is in good shape. I installed an after market stereo this year. I wouldn't think that is causing it. Any other suggestions would be apprecited :confused:
[Modified by Bob Czar, 11:27 PM 9/3/2002]
the pulsating problem. It seems to pulsate at night and not during the
day. At least I know my alternator is in good shape. I installed an after market stereo this year. I wouldn't think that is causing it. Any other suggestions would be apprecited :confused:
[Modified by Bob Czar, 11:27 PM 9/3/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (Bob Czar)
Mine has done the same thing off and on in my 86 and my electrical system is totally stock. I noticed that the cluster auto dimmer light sensor (that little square eye near the odometer) doesn't seem to be working. Maybe that has something to do with it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Re: 1986 Digital Cluster Pulsating Problem (Bob Czar)
Mine 86 Cluster when nuts one day, then completely out! The next day, I started the car and it worked fine. It hasn't messed up once since then. Talk about wierd!
