Electrical Problem, any advice appreciated

[canadianbiz]

As there is not a forum for Toyota Starlet, I am posting this in Turcell as they were pretty close in comparison to each other.

I am having an electrical issue in this 1982 Toyota Starlet. The current is up and down quite often when driving. Just watching the windshield wipers slow, then speed up. Also the turn signal indicators dim at times and other times they are bright. And the heater fan slows down and speeds up.
The alternator and battery have been changed. Any ideas people? Thanks, Eric

[KimMG]

Ground connections.
Poor connections to the alternator.

[canadianbiz]

Hey KimMB, as you can see I have 2 vehicles now and 2 times the problems LOL. I change the battery terminal connections yesterday and jump started this car. Drove it around somewhat and everything worked good except the headlights were dim. So I figured that the vehicle just wasn't charged enough. Anyway, it started this morning no problem but I still found after driving it awhile that the heater/defrost fan speeds up and slows down, then the signal indicators were bright then they dimmed out for a bit and then back to bright. I did not use the headlights this morning to save electricity, just the park lights. Apparently this guy I bought the car from had the alternator rebuilt and there is a good battery in it. He stressed the "Sold as Is" story to me a few times, should have given me the Red Flag but it seemed to run good when we bought it. Anyway, I will check the grounds to the Alt and other grounds to the frame. But I thought maybe it might be the voltage regulator on the fender well in the motor compartment. I phoned the auto-electric and of course they want $80 just to have a look at it. So you are saying grounds, thats what I will unbolt, clean and rebolt. Oh yes, and this is a 1982 Toyota Starlet.

[KimMG]

When you replaced the terminals on the cables, did you notice any corrosion in the wiring? What about the other ends of the battery cables? Do you have a meter? Have checked the output voltage of the alternator? Check the engine ground strap? New parts aren't always good parts. Have you look at the plugs to the alternator for corrosion? Do any of the chain autoparts stores in your area offer free diagnostic services?

[canadianbiz]

Hey KimMG, well I did a good job on the battery terminals and wiring to them and they were bad. I trimmed the ends right off and re-cut the insulation to reinstall on the terminals. I did not however get to the other ends where they connect to the main frame and motor. They also do not look that good so that is my next step. Unfortunately, I do not have a tester and here in Canada you have to have your Check-Book ready even if they look at your vehicle.

I think I have the problem half cured as I am not having quite as much trouble as before doing the terminals. I think I am on the right track. At least the car started this morning whereas it would not before. the headlights are still kinda dim so I think with the rest of the grounding wires repaired, I am hoping that will make even more of a difference and possible cure.

Auto electric shops here are asking $80 an hour to do this work that I can do myself. Quoted me One Hour to check the Alternator output. What is that, like 5 minutes with the voltage meter. thanks

[canadianbiz]

Problem Solved.

Symptoms: Very Dim Headlights, turn signal indicator sometimes dim sometimes bright. Heater fan fast and slow.

Defective Voltage Regulator. Replaced VR and problem solved.