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308 lights getting brighter

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by oregonferrari, Nov 17, 2008.

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  1. oregonferrari

    oregonferrari Karting

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    #1 oregonferrari, Nov 17, 2008
    I have an 81 308 GTSi. Today I was driving the car with my lights on and I noticed my dash lights became very bright, the head lights and all other lights were also bright. Then I heard a click(coming from the area of the fuse block) and then the lights dimmed to the usual 308 brightness. As I traveled the car probably went back and forth on brightness 10 times before I reached my destination. I do not have Birdsmans fuse block yet. The sound under the dash reminds me of the sound of a relay clicking. Any ideas ? Thanks
     
  2. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 BigTex, Nov 17, 2008
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2008
    I am having similar symptoms, it's the voltage regulator failing inside your alternator.

    I have a voltmeter in my car and I can see it swinging to the highside peg..above 16 volts charging. That will boil your battery dry also.

    Pull it and fix it SOON! I once had a failing alternator blow both headlights out, an expensive repair if you use stock bulbs!!!!
     
  3. oregonferrari

    oregonferrari Karting

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    #3 oregonferrari, Nov 17, 2008
    Thanks, what are the options on buying a new alternator?
     
  4. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

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    #4 Iain, Nov 17, 2008
    You should be able to rebuild it - it should be a Bosch unit. Do a search herabouts & I think you might find the part numbers needed - I am sure I have seen them somewere.
     
  5. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 BigTex, Nov 17, 2008
    Yea, take it to the local shop, they'll know what they are looking at, if not were it came from! LOL!

    I used to spend $75 on it, testing included....be sure to remove hot lead from battery before throwing wrenches around the unit in engine compartment....
     
  6. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #6 miketuason, Nov 17, 2008
    Yes it is the VR. happened to me headlights and dash lights were so bright and even the power windows looks like it has turbo, it was so fast, then later a smell rotten egg coming from the battery, turned out it was overcharging, I replaced the voltage regulator and problem fix.
     
  7. oregonferrari

    oregonferrari Karting

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    #7 oregonferrari, Nov 17, 2008
    Thanks for all the quick information. I will rebuild the alternator.
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 BigTex, Nov 17, 2008
    Come by and do mine, too! LOL!

    It does inprove the window speed, but I am afraid I'll blow lights unless I fix it soon!
     
  9. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #9 miketuason, Nov 17, 2008
    It maybe just your Voltage Regulator
     
  10. oregonferrari

    oregonferrari Karting

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    #10 oregonferrari, Nov 17, 2008
    I have been told that the voltage regulator is in the alternator. Is that true for a 81 308?
     
  11. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #11 miketuason, Nov 17, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    It's in the back held by two screws
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  12. oregonferrari

    oregonferrari Karting

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    #12 oregonferrari, Nov 18, 2008
    Thanks for the great pics. Very helpful
     
  13. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 PAP 348, Nov 18, 2008

    Yep, a 5 min job brother. ;);)
     
  14. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #14 BigTex, Nov 18, 2008
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2008
    Maybe after you jack up the car, pull the rear wheel and fender, loosen the v belt, dismount the alternator from it's bracket, remove the stand off heat shield and it's four nuts and lock washers using the little wrench from the tool bag.........


    THEN it's a five minute job.

    That's a bit like saying you got a girl in bed "in 30 minutes", when you've been dating six months!
     
  15. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 PAP 348, Nov 18, 2008

    I said it was a 5 min job to replace the voltage regulator Tex. :D:D

    I didnt say it was a 5 min job to jack the car up, pull the rear wheel and fender, loosen the v belt, dismount the alternator from it's bracket, remove the stand off heat shield and it's four nuts and lock washers using the little wrench from the tool bag.........;);)
     
  16. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 BigTex, Nov 18, 2008
    I'm just cranky 'cuz I have to do the regulator also!

    Without the 'girl in bed' part!
     
  17. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #17 PAP 348, Nov 18, 2008

    Oh......that sux!! :D:D
     

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