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Lights only working on Alternator? puzzled
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Author:  Franklyn [ Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Lights only working on Alternator? puzzled
Suddenly today my lights and all Accessories Stopped working while the engine is not running, but all work fine once it starts up.
Hope this isn't a stupid question that results in replacing a fuse somewhere.
but it just seemed weird to me that all works fine while running.

Any ideas before I start ripping into wiring?
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Interesting problem. Sounds like you've got an open circuit somewhere in the A1/A1-A main line running from the alternator to the battery, allowing all the accessories to operate only off the alternator and not off the battery. But the engine will obviously start, which is odd given the other symptoms. Does your ammeter work correctly; does the needle swing in both directions in accord with the electrical load and the engine speed?
Author:  Franklyn [ Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
hmmm, it is interesting and too dark outside to go poking around unfortunately.

You're on to something though Dan. reason being is that I have recently replaced the A1A wire that goes from starter relay to ignition switch. (or so I thought)
But in closer inspection of the diagram, i think i may have made a vital mistake :oops: by way of assumption.

My car wouldn't start the other day, yet I could fire it up with the screwdriver trick, (this has happened a number of times since purchasing it last year) eventually I decided that the corroded connections at the bulkhead were the culprit, cleaned them a few times and worked for a while each time but failed again. so replaced the wire the other day with some 10 gauge RED to where an inline fusible link attaches to starter replay.

I was working off of a basic, working and logical wiring sense, (yet quite novice) and figured the ignition switch "ST" post would go directly to the starter relay. to engage the starter.
Seems like i am wrong here... Though solved the not starting issue :wink:

time to retrace my steps, where does this wire lead to exactly when traveling back from the bulkhead. I am thinking I will need to pull out the instrument panel?
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
I forget, is yours a Canadian Dart-shaped Valiant or a US Dart-shaped Dart? The starting and charging systems are wired up a little differently between the two. Do you have a wiring diagram specific to your car or are you going off a generic or multiple-year diagram? I don't know that you'll necessarily have to pull the IP, but I think you're on the right track looking first and hardest at the wiring you most recently reworked.
Author:  Franklyn [ Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mine is a US Dart shaped Dart.

The "GT" model if that makes any difference.

I have Detroit Iron's DVD manual for 1965 darts (i think this would be the accurate FSM) But maybe the GT status has some differences?

More likely though, my mistake is that I've overlooked the routing of the wiring and just determined which post on the ignition switch will fire the starter and put two and two together. (made total sense in the moment)
Though I'm realizing now it was a "tunnel vision" moment. where I took what turned out to be a "sortof-effective" shortcut to get it starting.

Its a good thing I'm a mellow dude, or I might be getting at myself for this one :lol:

I'll keep plugging away tomorrow, and spend some time studying the diagram, focusing on the routing of wires rather than just names of terminals.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:21 am ]
Post subject: 
GT is a trim level -- all '65 Dart mechanicals and electricals are alike regardless of trim level.
Author:  Franklyn [ Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Got it figured out.
Thanks Dan, your words caused me to slow down and study the diagram a bit.
I had connected the starter relay directly to the ignition switch, bypassing a whole ciruit.
I think my alternator will thank me.

Another strange little ghost due to this though... I was dilligent with disonnecting the battery whilst working on the wiring of course, but somewhere along the line, the underdash maplight, and both interior lights burnt out simulteaneously.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Weird about the bulbs, but sounds like you're well on your way.
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Thu Mar 01, 2012 4:13 am ]
Post subject: 
I have seen multiple bulb failures, if the alternator output voltage goes too high. This might have happened, due to a wiring problem.
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