[ChevelleGirl65]

I have a "ghost" in my car, it is a very weird wiring problem that I can't seem to solve (other then re-wiring the entire car) maybe one of you can help me.

-The symptoms
If I have the radio and the headlights on I can't turn the blinkers on without the power going way down, I also can't have the radio, the lights and the wipers on at the same time (it has the same efect as above) and god forbid that I ever have to drive my car at night while it's raining and have to make a turn, then the whole car shuts down. Also some times the wipers will not turn off when the switch has been shut off. I am wondering if this has to do with either the aftermarket radio system (professionally installed) or the aftermarket alarm system (also professionally installed by the same people) got any hints for me guys?

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Jess

 

[John_Muha]

It initially sounds like the regulator is going out. However, I don't think I would waste any time or money on it. The 65 has a small output alternator. It barely keeps up with the car without adding the after market stereo. If the stereo doesn't have a large output, think I would get an internally regulated alternator. I still like the SI over the CS type. One for a 78 Camaro should do it. This would give you twice the current output as your present alternator. Here is the link for the conversion instructions http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref14.html

The wiper "stuck-on" problem sounds like an intermittent switch. Next time it happens pull off the connector on the motor while the wipers are still acting up. The is the connector coming from inside the car. No voltage on this connector, only ground. If the motor stops, a bad switch would be a good guess.

 

[Jason Shulenberger]

While installing a car stereo years back, all was going fine until I turned on the headlights. Then the radio simply shut off. Turns out I had connected the ground wire from the radio to the +12V lead for the radio lights. It was a ground until the lights turned on. Not exactly what you see, but you may have similar grounding problems.

Worn rubbing +12V wires moving around is my guess. It seems to revolve around the blinkers, so I would start looking there.

 

[JWagner]

A good starting place is to get a voltmeter to check the system voltage at various point while you are going thru the Ghost-Hunting process. This will take a lot of guess work out of things. A suitable digital meter can be had for about $5 from Harbor Freight.

 

[R&NMalibu]

The best thing that I ever had happen when a wiring stereo is that I put everything into the same ground - and when I turned my lights on, bam! the radio turned off! I used the ground off of the old radio, it was super thin - so I ran my own down, and it worked fine. I am sure that I didn't use the headlight power line because it was in an old S-10 and there weren't any headlight wires into the stereo - espcially not black ones

Nat

 

[Steve_69]

Make sure all grounds are in tip top condition. Make sure the battery negative cable runs first to the engine, then run a ground from the engine to the body.

Clean all of those connections with a wire brush if they already exist, (terminal and where it mounts) and apply dielectric grease to keep them from getting corroded.

Make sure all wires are in good condition and replace original wiring ASAP if you are still using it. Inspect for cracked insulation in the mean time.

Agreed with higher amp alternator if you go above the stock electrical demand.

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My opinions are usually worth what they cost you. But once in a while I know what I am talking about. Humor, fun, a few new friends, and good ole knowledge of these classics are why I am here. Your mileage may vary. ACES # 04981