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I think I already know the answer

Discussion in '308/328' started by t3thomas, Sep 29, 2009.

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  1. t3thomas

    t3thomas Formula Junior

    May 9, 2008
    427
    North Carolina
    Full Name:
    GThomas
    #1 t3thomas, Sep 29, 2009
    What is at fault when the brightness of the lights is based on the rpms of the engine (RE: high revs= brighter lights). Voltage Regulator going/gone south?
     
  2. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,386
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #2 BigTex, Sep 29, 2009
    Maybe...it's almost a "normal " condition if you have all the electrical loads on, at once.....
     
  3. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

    Jun 7, 2006
    1,779
    USA
    Full Name:
    Tony K.
    #3 Tony K, Sep 29, 2009
    2Vi Digiplexes can burn/short if the voltage is too high . . . might be (probably) the same for QV cars.

    If you're getting, say, 15 (or more) volts at freeway speeds (test from cigarette lighter), then you run the risk of burning some electronics on a long extended trip.
     
  4. fgcfire8

    fgcfire8 Formula Junior

    Jan 19, 2008
    459
    Montpelier Va
    Full Name:
    Frank Castelvecchi
    #4 fgcfire8, Sep 29, 2009
    Could be bad grounds or battery connections reducing the effeciveness of the battery as a voltage sink.
     
  5. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #5 Paul_308, Sep 30, 2009
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2009
    Or ailing battery. Time for some voltage measurements on battery with car off, car running at 1500 rpm and headlights on car at 1500 rpm. (1500 number isn't magic, pick a number well above idle and well below redline.

    Battery should measure 12.6V with engine off. Should be 13.6-14.3 with engine running above idle and at maintain at least 13.6 with headlights on. Failing the last points to the alternator. If one phase of the regulator's 3 phases goes bad, the alternator may charge but require high revs to produce enough voltage for the lights to brighten and the red warning light won't give the proper warning.

    If the voltages are all ok except maybe the 12.6 is down to 12.3v, time for a new battery.
    I wouldn't condemn either battery or alternator in a marginal situation without checking the voltages.


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  6. t3thomas

    t3thomas Formula Junior

    May 9, 2008
    427
    North Carolina
    Full Name:
    GThomas
    #6 t3thomas, Sep 30, 2009
    Okay, thanks everyone for the responses. The battery is a fairly new (6 mo.) Interstate and appears to charge and hold a charge well, but I'll check the voltages just to be sure. It wouldn't suprise me if it is a faulty ground somewhere, since the car came equipped with a full regiment of electrical gremlins.
     

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