2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lights, dash and cruise control dimming intermittently!

[ASteltzner]

At highway speeds (65 MPH and 1800 rpm) notice fluctiuation in the lights and dash accompanied by very slight blip or drop in the cruise control. The drop or blip in both lights and CC is less than a second. The drops can be smaller or bigger, but never a full drop out.



Looking at the wiring diagrams I am left wondering if this is a problem with the fuel heater relay. Far away from parts support (traveling in Mexico). Any reccomendations?



Adam

 

[HBarlow]

This is just a wild shot in the dark: Check battery connections tight on both batteries. I had a connection on one of my batteries that hadn't been tightened completely vibrate loose a couple years ago while traveling at speed on an interstate highway. When I'd hit a bump something similar occurred.

 

[SSolderitch]

Loose or dirty ground?



Do the turn indicators glow slightly at the same time the dimming?

 

[fest3er]

Fuel heater doesn't draw *nearly* enough current to do that. If the lights dim for a full second, and you see the voltmeter swing to the left, your intake heaters may be to blame; they're about the only things I know of that draw more current than the alternator can supply, outside of short circuits.

If the fluctuations get worse as the road gets rougher, the most likely culprit is the intake heater relays. The stock relays are weak and know to bounce around.

However, if the fluctuation seems fairly regular (frequency and duration) and you don't see the voltmeter swing low, the intake heaters mayn't be the problem with your sweet chariot.

N