headlight electrical problem

[IMNCARN82]

We are trying to get the electrical system on the Charger figured out. Everything was going fine until now. We have some problem with the headlights draining the battery. Right now just the lows are in.  Is there any way to run through it to isolate the source of the problem?  I am very bad with electrical issues.  Last night we almost got stuck,Had to jump her and the lights were very dim. Luckily it wasn't far to go. Alt. gauge was way low.   

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

[burdar]

You're sure it's the headlights?  You can put a test light between the battery and the negative cable.  If the test light illuminates, you have a drain.  You can then start pulling fuses...when the light goes out, you've found the soarce of the drain. 

The light may come on very dim.  That is most likely power going to the clock and is normal.(unless the clock is the soarce of the drain) 

[IMNCARN82]

I'm not sure of anything...

We just tried a test light from the( - )cable to the( -) battery terminal and it did not light.

With the car running,I turn on the lights and the Alt. gauge drops to -20.

Last night everything seemed ok. The lights were dim.  Went barely a mile. parked and got something to eat and she wouldn't start. Had to jump it,And limp home with barely any lights. Put the charger on it overnight.

Hey thanks for the help! R/T

[burdar]

Just to make sure, you dissconnected the negative cable from the battery and then put the test light between the two correct?  What happens if you do that and turn the headlight switch on?

[IMNCARN82]

Yes,We disconnected the negative cable and ran the test light between the cable end and battery terminal. No light.

Just did it again... and turned the headlight switch on and the light came on! Now what? 

[Jesus H Chrysler]

Based on what you posted, you don't seem to have a draw with the car off.  But the fact the gauge goes to discharge shows that the alternator or something in the charging circuit isn't working.  Your car will run and drive on battery power.  But without the alternator recharging the battery as you drive the battery will discharge and eventually won't have enough juice to keep the car running.

If you have a volt meter put it across the battery + and - and check the volts while running.  It should usually be close to 13.8 or so.  Anything under 12 is definitely not charging.

[burdar]

Check to make sure the alt is charging.  If it isn't, check the main bulkhead connecter for signs of corrosion or melting.(accually, you should check that anyway)

If the test light comes on, doesn't that mean that there is battery voltage in the ground circuit?  If that's the case, I would think there's a short in the headlight harness or the switch.

[IMNCARN82]

Hey,Thanx you guys!!!  I had a job appointment to get to...

So...  My milti-meter reads 12.55 running.      12.82 sitting   12.22 with the switch on.

Now that I check it again after sitting about two hrs. It's crept up to 13.00. And rising and lowering slightly now.

I've checked everything on the harness. About to pull the bulkhead and clean.  Hmmmm.

I'll keep looking.    Ya' when that light came on across the negative it raised an eyebrow.  Maybe the switch?

hmm hmm hmm...

[barracuda7199]

your alt isn't charging. it should read almost 14 especially since ur battery was drained. did u keep the stock single feed alternator or upgrade to the dual field and flat voltage regulator? i would check the headlight switch as well. we have a member that does an awesome job on switchs hit up slotts he will get u squared up i am sure of it.

[IMNCARN82]

Single feed alternator...?    The VR is a little box type thing,Not flat like most I've seen.(Or I think that's it.) The alternator in new NAPA.  Has one large,one small wire going together on the main stud. And one small green wire going to a flat blade connection.  I could grab a pic if that would help...        Ya' Slotts stuff looks fantastic! I need everything the dudes got though.

So the alternator isn't charging. Hmmm....    I suck at electrical.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

Yeah you either have a dead/miswired alternator or bad voltage regulator.  Your volts should usually be MORE when its running than off.  Time to get a wiring diagram and track down the problem.  First things first:

Make sure your connections on the alternator are correct and tight.  Main wire and 2 field wires if you have them. 

Check the voltage regulator to make sure it's plugged in and has good ground. 

Check the starter solenoid to make sure the connection to the battery is good and solid.

Look around for any other loose/cut/misplaced or random wires that could be contributing to your problems.

Lastly, pull the alternator off and bring to Advance, autozone, napa etc to see if they can check it for you.

[IMNCARN82]

YuP,  Double checked all the connections,New solenoid,New cables.      It seemed fine just the other day. We've managed to fix everything else. Everything works.     I'll have the alternator tested.   The switch looks good. So did the bulkhead but I cleaned them.

We had an ignition installed with an orange box.   That was while we were still driving it though.
Forgot my camera,I'll come back later and post some pics of the alternator and starter solenoid wiring. 

It's always something. And I just don't understand this stuff, Like a foreign language er somethin'...

We really appreciate the help. This is the only thing keeping me from driving it!!!

[72rtchallenger]

alternator or bad voltage regulator sounds like your  problem ,,have a new new on mined t is still not putting out enough,,i get 14+volts right at the alternator but only 12.5 at the battery which means i have to buy another voltage regulator   these new parts are cheap crap,,but it has the same symptoms as yours fr what I read

[dodj]

alternator or bad voltage regulator sounds like your  problem

Double check the wiring, insulation, pinched wires, connected correctly just to be sure.
Take the VR off the 'Cuda and put it temporarily on the Charger. Then check the voltage at the battery. If it's up - you're in business, if it is still low - alternator.

[barracuda7199]

Double check the wiring, insulation, pinched wires, connected correctly just to be sure.
Take the VR off the 'Cuda and put it temporarily on the Charger. Then check the voltage at the battery. If it's up - you're in business, if it is still low - alternator.

he cant do that his is the old style. if i was u i would get a newer style alt. and rob a plug for the flat style regulator at the junkyard. or hit up richard ehrenburg on ebay he has them. i can walk u thru upgrading all u would have to add is one wire. besides splicing in the newer regulator connector.

at the bottom of this page is the wiring schematic http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical.html
nothing to it really and the dual field alt is a big improvement.