Electrical Problem

SlowWhite · 01-08-2006

a few weeks ago I was talking off my exhaust manifold and turbo and touched my socket wrench against the alternator, the car still had power, and it caused a spark.

I had the battery charger attached to the battery for probably 4hrs so that I could keep my fans running to cool down the exhaust manifold faster.

Anyrate ever since My battery isn't holding a charge anymore (was bad to begin with, had to charge it if I hadn't driven my car in 3 days or more)

Anyrate now when ever I hook up the charger and it's on "Boost" my lights click on weather or not the knob is turned or not and don't turn off unless I lower the voltage, If it's on normal Charging cycle the lights work perfectly.

I've checked all fuse's all of them were fine, I've switched out all the relays pertaining to lighting what so ever, as I can hear the head light relay click when I up the charging to boost. As well as feel it click when I flick the power on and off the charger.

I'm going to be buying a new battery this week (30 minute drive to the only place in the area that carries the Type 51 yellow top) But not sure if that's going to fix the problem. I know it's something I need anyways as it wasn't holding a charge anyhow.

TheBlizzard · 01-08-2006

Brian which fuses did you check? Are you 100% positive that the 100amp alternator fuse is good. Just because it looks good doesn't mean it is, I have seen them with very minor cracks which cause all kinds of weird problems. Re check it, or better yet just replace it for piece of mind.

SlowWhite · 01-09-2006

It looked good. I swapped the relays out and nothing changed. I'll pull and swap out the alternator fuse. I'm pretty sure I have a spare in my tool box.

I have to head back into work now but I'll mess with it later tonight.

Kevin 1G Drummer · 01-09-2006

could have caused a power surge and melted some wires somewhere in your harness...but I'd only check that as a last resort

SlowWhite · 01-09-2006

That's what I'm hoping didn't happen. That's the last thing I want to do is go through the wireing harness.

I think Wednesday I'll be picking up the battery. A guy is going to pay me $125 to bring a 2 story ladder down to Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday (he's an old salesman for our company that is now an insurance adjuster) So while I'm down there I'll pick up the battery.