Weird electrics problems getting weirder
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- 356 Fan
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Weird electrics problems getting weirder
So, my previous post talked about my fuel and oil gauges not working properly, etc. Everyone's feedback was to check all earth's (grounds) so I did that. Cleaned and tested every single earth wire.
The problem has evolved to the point where the gauges are jumping around but now, when I switch on my direction indicators (either left or right) both the fuel and oil gauges jump in time to the indicators.
Also, when I switch on headlights, both gauges zero out (jump to zero and stay there). I have also noted that the indicator light on the dash does not flash when I switch on the indicators (but that could be a blown bulb).
Any ideas? I am completely lost!
Hoping my best mate CJ Murray will see this and pitch in
The problem has evolved to the point where the gauges are jumping around but now, when I switch on my direction indicators (either left or right) both the fuel and oil gauges jump in time to the indicators.
Also, when I switch on headlights, both gauges zero out (jump to zero and stay there). I have also noted that the indicator light on the dash does not flash when I switch on the indicators (but that could be a blown bulb).
Any ideas? I am completely lost!
Hoping my best mate CJ Murray will see this and pitch in
- C J Murray
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
I would suspect the ignition switch.
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
Weird, we fitted a new one when we did the rebuild if you remember...
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
Is there a way to test it Cliff?
- C J Murray
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
Get a voltmeter reading on all the troubled circuits and at the main power wire to the ignition switch.
BUT FIRST make certain that the battery ground cable is making contact and check the positive cable where both the large wire and smaller wire are clamped as well as the battery terminal.
If the starter cranks strongly then the cable post at the starter should be fine but check it anyway.
There is a ground cable at the front on the trans but that usually just bothers engine function.
The fuse blocks on our cars are riveted together and corrosion is common. One solution is to solder the rivet joints on the back of the block.
NOTE! Your engine popping is likely to have been caused by your poor electrical system condition!
Disconnect the battery while you are making changes.
BUT FIRST make certain that the battery ground cable is making contact and check the positive cable where both the large wire and smaller wire are clamped as well as the battery terminal.
If the starter cranks strongly then the cable post at the starter should be fine but check it anyway.
There is a ground cable at the front on the trans but that usually just bothers engine function.
The fuse blocks on our cars are riveted together and corrosion is common. One solution is to solder the rivet joints on the back of the block.
NOTE! Your engine popping is likely to have been caused by your poor electrical system condition!
Disconnect the battery while you are making changes.
'57 Speedster
'59 Sunroof
'60 Devin D Porsche Race Car
'63 Cabriolet "Norm"
'67 911 S Original Owner
'03 Ferrari 575M
'09 Smart Passion
'59 Sunroof
'60 Devin D Porsche Race Car
'63 Cabriolet "Norm"
'67 911 S Original Owner
'03 Ferrari 575M
'09 Smart Passion
- Mike Wilson
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
I suggested it previously but to reiterate, have you checked that the battery is properly hooked up?
Mike
Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
yep, checked the connection at the battery.
- Mike Wilson
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
One item checked now onto the next. Since the ignition switch was replaced, as suggested, check the connections on that.
Doesn't the jumping gauges indicate a bad ground somewhere?
Mike
Doesn't the jumping gauges indicate a bad ground somewhere?
Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
- David Jones
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
Sounds like a ground/earth problem to me. Run a separate ground from the battery neg to the knurled nut that clamps the gauge in place and see if that cures it.
If I had known I would live this long I would have pushed the envelope a little harder.
Cymru am byth
David Jones #9715
Cymru am byth
David Jones #9715
- George Hussey
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
I AGREE it is a grounding problem. If the battery is fully charged and it does it with the key in the on position but not running, that it is a grounding issue, start with the neg battery terminal to the post and to the car and work back from there, look at the ground strap between the trans and the bottom of the body as well.
George Hussey
- Don Gale
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
A voltage regulator on the fritz can cause similar problems.
1958 356A 1600 Super Sunroof Coupe
former 1966 Euro 912 Sunroof
former 1978 Intermeccanica Speedster w/'68 912
Member Since 1983, #4039
"Nostalgia isn't what it used to be"
former 1966 Euro 912 Sunroof
former 1978 Intermeccanica Speedster w/'68 912
Member Since 1983, #4039
"Nostalgia isn't what it used to be"
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
I was thinking voltage regulator but I know nothing!
- George Hussey
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
usually a voltage regulator would make the lights dim and bright and the instruments not jump but rise as the engine revs, and turning on the headlights would not make the instruments die. Grounding problem
George Hussey
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
Ok, so I will spend the next weekend going through every single connection in the car. Does anyone have experience of the replacement fuse boxes that use blade fuses. Cliff, have you tried these?
Seems like consensus is a ground issue.
Cliff, wouldn't it be annoying if my engine popping was down to bloody ground issue
Seems like consensus is a ground issue.
Cliff, wouldn't it be annoying if my engine popping was down to bloody ground issue
- Neil Bardsley
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Re: Weird electrics problems getting weirder
David there is a very good 356b owner and electrician on DDK. Based near Worcester : Winston. Top bloke. Call him and he will be able to help. I believe that RPL maybe do a blade fuse box but I suspect that isn't your issue.
VEHICLE WIRING SERVICES (WINSTON TEAGUE/DAVID ASTON)
Address: Worcestershire
Phone: Winston Teague 07971 415277, David Aston 07968 225262
Email: vehiclewiring@googlemail.com
Website: www.vehiclewiringservices.co.uk
Services: Specialist historic and vintage vehicle electricians. Bespoke wiring harnesses designed, manufactured, fitted and commissioned.
VEHICLE WIRING SERVICES (WINSTON TEAGUE/DAVID ASTON)
Address: Worcestershire
Phone: Winston Teague 07971 415277, David Aston 07968 225262
Email: vehiclewiring@googlemail.com
Website: www.vehiclewiringservices.co.uk
Services: Specialist historic and vintage vehicle electricians. Bespoke wiring harnesses designed, manufactured, fitted and commissioned.