So my 84 se has/had fluttery lights and voltage needle when the battery was low on juice. After driving the car, those issues are gone but when I put the headlights up when idling, the car almost wants to stall. I replaced the alternator, and it looked the same as mine, and oreillys said it would fit. Maybe I got a weak alternator? Or a bad battery?
Also one more thing because I don't want to start a new page just for this: The CEL comes on when the car is idling in drive, but then goes off when in park. It's an auto trans.
This is after installing an ecm, maybe it learning codes? Idk. Also, the fuel gauge is pegged all the way right, I think it shorted out, could that cause this?
Originally posted by gb.84.fier0: I think it shorted out, could that cause this?
No. the fuel gauge circuit is open. If it shorted out you would blow a fuse. The volt meter is all over the place....maybe a bad regulator in the alternator.
[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 11-05-2021).]
Battery cables often look better than they are. Take them off and wire brush the ends and the attachment points. They may be corroded inside the insulation, so a new set may be in order. Check the Ogre's cave for the major ground locations in the car.
[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 11-07-2021).]
We have a new positive cable, the negative looks ok, although the cable that connects to the negative looks pk, although the screw is very corroded and I couldn't clean it that well, im guessing it doesn't use the screw to ground but you never know
The 84 is different in many ways and I am not sure about the wiring but I had this problem on my 86gt and this is what I found…
The main cable from the battery only carries voltage to the starter. All the other systems on the car are feed through the smaller wire that runs from the positive battery terminal over to a distribution point on the right side of the engine compartment. That wire after cutting the insulation back was so corroded it was causing power loss to all the electrical systems in the car. Running a new larger wire over to the block solved all power problems in the car. The car use to have the symptom of when you would activate the turn signals you could watch the amp gauge move this also happened when you would turn on the headlights. After replacing the main wire this all stopped.
Plus several fusible links go to big starter term same as big battery cable and often have problems.
As to grounds... clean/fix every ground and coat ends that bolt/screw to engine or frame w/ silicone or brake grease. See my Cave, Wire Service Many 84 grounds are same or close to ground list locations there.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
