Electrical Wars...Episode I

[Shusaka]

a long time ago, in a galaxy far away...

Ok i just watched episodes 1 through 6 of star wars, it was my day off sorry about the humor, anyways i put some miles on my z finally, i refused to drive it unless it had current registration and insurance. I was fine until dark when i had found out that my pass side headlight was ridiculously dim on low and high beams.

I also happened to notice that on the highway, cruisin 5th gear, 3k on tach, my voltage gauge was pegged at 16-18 i dunno specifically where, but the gauge ends at 16 and was past it, weird right?

I probably need to put this into separate threads, if so lmk mods, but i would appreciate any help on either issue. I'm thinking the alternator has a blown diode, or a voltage regulator issue and needs replaced, but the headlight leaves me fairly stumped, the only thing that i could think would cause that would be excessive resistance in the wiring causing the amount of amperage hitting the light to be significantly lower, resulting in being stupidly dim. i replaced the light but problem still persists, but dr side light is working properly it just wont adjust into drivable specs. Anybody else had these issues? any $.02 would help thanks guys

Randall

[ravera]

#1 is probably the headlight switch. Put relays in it, which is cheap and easy, and your lights well get bright fast.

#2 is a voltage regulator. Replace the VR or go to an internally regulated unit.

[evildky]

the headlight issue might be the swithc, might be the ground, might be the wiring, whis is why msa sells the headlight relay rewire kit, it makes sure you get 12v at the headlights

and yeah, sounds like the voltage regulator