I've been having some odd issues lately, starting with the battery overcharging. It didn't seem so noteworthy at first - just a bit over 13 and even then consistently. Now it's starting to charge higher and higher.

Gauge cluster is misbehaving - only one light is illuminated. When I hook the cluster up to constant 12v current, they're all on but in the car it's just the one. Needless to say, the drive home was a bit harrowing.

The trip computer recorded about a half hour's worth of fuel economy as either 99 or 0, but after being shut down for a bit behaved again.

The radio is begging for a code every time I start up. Could be a problem with the constant power, yes, but with all the other electrical gremlins I can't help but think they're related.

I'm almost thinking voltage regulator, and that's making me a bit nervous cos that thing's on the alternator and I am not happy about the prospect of removing that thing.

Any advice is welcome.

 

Sounds like a voltage regulator to me.

But.....

Didn't someone once post that a poorly grounded alternator can overcharge?






Poor connection at the cluster plug-ins?

Also, running a redundant ground to the cluster often cures wonky cluster behavior on these cars




I suspect loss of supply voltage. That could happen in various places along the line. I'd begin by checking the "+" junction posts on the firewall




It isn't all that bad. Not a pleasure cruise, but not all that bad.



You have a weird collection of symptoms. Hard to now if or how they're related.

Checking-cleaning-tightening the main grounds, battery cables, and "+" supply posts is never a bad place to begin. Others will chime in.

Cheers
DD

 

Doug has a very sound list there.

The main engine earth strap fiasco at the LH engine mount is the cause of many, many issues.

Fit a seperate earth strap from the engine to the chassis. I use a sump bolt for one end, and a front cradle V mount bolt on the LH side, thus giving a DIRECT earth path to the chassis.

 

Happened to me and it was a loose battery terminal

Negative I think

 

Thanks for all the tips, seems a rather exhaustive list - just the way I like 'em.

I think today I'm going to pull the radio and check the connections. There's a chance the constant power connection just isn't solid. Then I'm going to double-check every single ground I can find, as well as the battery terminals. If this doesn't work, I'll have to steel myself with a little bottled-in-bond liquid courage and go after that alternator.