Yesterday, I had to sit in my car with it idling periodically to stay warm, for the better part of the day. Towards the end of the day all of the idiot lights started intermitantly blinking. What's up with this, anyone have this experience?
Thanx,
Steve

I had a wire near the Alt cause this problem. Added some tape and no more flashing lights. But mine did it when you hit a bump.

I'd put the brush/regulator replacement fourth on my list, but only 'cause it's $$$.

First, clean 'n retension (= bend) all the fuse clips. A loose or tarnished fuse clip (don't remember which on) can cause weird stuff like this. Anyway, it's good preventive maintenance.

Second, examine the wiring around the alternator, looking carefully for crumbling insulation. If you see it, then the insulation may also be crumbling in the harness where it loops under the front engine pulley. You can usually repair the failing wires with good results. Also, thoroughly insulate and protect the harness where it goes under the metal clips near the pulley. These clips can cut through the insulation, and your car goes up in serious flames.

Third, start thinking about new brushes. If you can find replacement brushes, then try those -- they're only a coupla bucks, vs. all the money for the regulator. Your regulator is probably fine. Of course, you must solder the new brushes into the regulator assembly, which might deter you.

Finally, new regulator assembly. Plug 'n play.

--
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Rich is right, replace the voltage regulator/brush unit on the alternator. It's $50 to $80 at a dealer, and easy to put in.

There is an explanatin of the relationship between the alternator brushes and the warning lights, but it's a long post.

Get the new brushes in soon, your battery is likely not getting full charge, either.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

I concur with the voltage regulator diagnosis.

There is another real long shot theory - I remember a similar problem 30 years ago with my 66 Chevelle. It turned out that the gas guage operated off pulses of electricity sent through the potentiometer in the tank. When it lost its ground, it grounded through a bunch of the dash lights, which caused them to blink dimly.

Hey,

If the lights tend to go out/dimmer after you apply throttle pressure, either your idle is too low or the voltage regualtor (about 50 bucks) on your alternator is about to go the way of my son's goldfish after a week.

Happy Bricking!!!

Richard
87 245 DL 339,000km and counting
242 toy something yet to be named