Hello everyone. Im a newb and seek some answers for my 66.

[Jeffro186]

My name is Jeff and I'm in dire need of some help for my daily driver below. I am having a charging issue and I can't figure it out. I had an optima yellow top for my sound system and compressors, but recently it took a dump on me. So I replaced it and now this one took a dump after 3 days of use. I test it and it is fine, take the altinator off and have it tested and it too is good. what gives ? Is there a voltage reg some where or something that I am missing ??

On another note. my brake lights went out. I pulled the bumper and replaced all the bulbs and still.... Nothing. I got under the dash with my test light and found there is no power coming or going to my brake switch. I hate wiring . I will appreciate any answer's and help.



<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/ralliart186/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1234.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/ralliart186/IMG_1234.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">[/url]

[blue68deville]

Clean car!
You need to get a wiring diagram, but as I recall, all the power for your brake lights goes thru the turn signal switch.
As for the battery, sounds like you have a draw. Maybe connected to the brake light problem.

[CarFreak]

There are some specific instructions for recharging a fully discharged Optima. 

I'd suggest doing a Google search to find the info. 

[Jeffro186]

I will try to find the diagram. Thank you for the speedy replies.

Jeff.

[pdxmose]

If the electical system is all factory, then yes, there is a voltage regulator.  What you took off and had tested was just the alternator portion, but not the regulator.  (Unless it was converted.)

The regulator is a black box on the passenger side firewall that's about the size of a bar of soap.

As mentioned, there could also be a related electrical problem that affected the brake lights as well.

In order for the ALT to charge it needs a 12V feed from the ALT light in the dash.  If this light isn't on with the key 'ON' but without the engine running, then I'd start from there.

          ...mose

[blink182house]

Welcome jeff, were you at scrapin the coast last year? I believe I sat/parked right next to you for the aftershow at night and watched the cars go by, your car looks like the car i remember! Very clean!

[Jeffro186]

If the electical system is all factory, then yes, there is a voltage regulator.  What you took off and had tested was just the alternator portion, but not the regulator.  (Unless it was converted.)

The regulator is a black box on the passenger side firewall that's about the size of a bar of soap.

As mentioned, there could also be a related electrical problem that affected the brake lights as well.

In order for the ALT to charge it needs a 12V feed from the ALT light in the dash.  If this light isn't on with the key 'ON' but without the engine running, then I'd start from there.

          ...mose

Thanks moose. The gen light is on when key is in on position and while the car is running. since you seem to know a lot about this stuff, I encountered a new problem today. It is very hard to start. this is the first time this has occurred. Now I know this could be anything. but do you think it could be related to the volt reg?

Welcome jeff, were you at scrapin the coast last year? I believe I sat/parked right next to you for the aftershow at night and watched the cars go by, your car looks like the car i remember! Very clean!

No I was not. I am in Az. Last time I was scraping was at cruzn central and I ripped an air compressor off haha. needless to say, I dont scrape anymore 

[blink182house]

Oh ok haha; your car and the guy i ran into were very very similar! Figured 'what are the odds?!' lol!

[STDog]

The gen light is on when key is in on position and while the car is running.

If it stays on with the car running, then it's likely that the regulator is bad. The wire from the light goes to the regulator. So, there could be a short in the wire which would cause it to stay on and for the alternator to not charge.

With the engine running, what's the voltage at the BATT terminal of the alternator?

It is very hard to start. this is the first time this has occurred. Now I know this could be anything. but do you think it could be related to the volt reg?

Lots of possibilities there. What do you me "hard"?
Starter turning slow or something else?
A low battery would make it turn slow. And a bad regulator would not keep the battery charged.

Other common culprits are corroded connections. Check the wires at the battery and the starter. Also check the ground wires/straps at both ends.

[Jeffro186]

Thank you all for the replies. Today was the day. I got it running and charging like a champ. replaced the volt reg and Traced some wires to find a faulty ground, as well as a damaged wire off the alt. 

Again thank you all. Your help is very much appreciated.