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93 LS Wiper Issue/ Possible Electrical Problem...


KaeJR
06-10-2009, 07:45 PM
Whats going on guys? I've been I part of this forum for a while but have never had to post like this so here goes, I frequent ISSF and I wasn't able to get many answers so I am looking elsewhere in hope to find what I am looking for.

I have a 1993 Chevrolet Caprice 5.0L 305 with 63,000 miles on it. I just recently started to build a sound system so I started doing the necessary things that I would need to do in order to be able to put out the proper power. I upgraded the power wire to 0/1 gauge and ran it to the back to an additional Optima yellow top battery that I had which was powering my amp. I also installed a HO 220 amp alternator and ran a 4 gauge power line to power it. About a month after I installed all of this I have been noticing little issues with the car. First I turned on the ignition one day and found that the windshield wipers would no longer park even though the switch was on the park position. So I ordered a new wiper motor and installed it along with a new delay computer that fits on top on the motor, but that didn't work. I had the switch inside of the steering column replaced but that didn't work either. I was wondering if I am installing the park delay boxes on top of the wiper motor wrong or is there a bigger issue here.
Next about 2 weeks ago I had my remote start on and noticed that it cut off short of the time so I go to investigate and learn that the alarm is not responding to either remote. Whenever I use the factory key fob to operate the keyless entry system the alarm makes a faint chirp but I sitll have nothing from it.
While looking at the alarm I popped the hood and noticed that the driver side HID ballast has a little burn mark on the casing of the ballast. It is still operational but while looking at it I go over the passenger side and move the ballast and accidently hit it against the positive battery terminal and noticed that when it touched the driver side HID would stay on as long as the passenger side ballast made contact with the positive terminal. I then noticed that whenever I would turn on my headlights that the passenger side would no longer respond/ turn on. I pick up the ballast and brush against the negative/ground of the battery terminal and the light would come on. I found this a little wierd so I tried the lights without touching anything and the passenger side light would not come on but as soon as it touched metal it would come on.
Sorry for writing all of this but I am looking for answers. I mean I've heard everything from it being possible electrical issues to it being just a coincidence that all of this happened at the same time. I have no problem replacing the HID's and alarm I just want to make sure that when I installed all of these new power accessories that I didn't mess up the electrical system any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cliffe Notes:
Installed HO Alternator and Additional battery
*Wipers won't turn off/park
*Alarm system stopped working
*HID stopped working properly
*Any Suggestions

*

Blue Bowtie
06-21-2009, 09:56 AM
The light problem sounds like (obviously) a ground issue.

AWG4 for a 220A alternator is too small.

Make sure the HO alternator is not outputting more than 0.2VAC on the system. DC electronics don't like much AC contingent in their power source, and HO or altered alternators can impart a lot more AC than that. The capacitance of even two batteries may not be enough to filter the AC.

KaeJR
06-21-2009, 10:30 AM
Ok so what would be the proper fix in getting this problem resolved. There is no ground attached to the alternator so, what and where is the ground that you are referring to as changing from 4 gauge to say 0/1 gauge......please lead me into the right direction because I am very lost and my car is slowly falling apart electrically

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