BDR Alternator/Turn Signal? Anomaly

[Sledge]

A few weeks ago I had to replace my turn signal switch on the steering column, and it has worked fine ever since. However, just lately, I've noticed that my single-wire Powermaster 100-amp alternator goes off line, often when using the turn signals--primarily the left signal. I also note that there is a larger "needle wag" on the voltmeter than there used to be when the turn signals are on and the alternator is still up and running.

So, I checked the terminals at both ends of the alternator charge wire (at the alternator and at the start motor solenoid) but that did not do the trick.

Last night I took off the steering wheel and removed the turn signal assembly to check for obvious wire chafing or shorting (there is a pinch point between the steering column and where the wiring goes thru the dashboard cutout for the steering column, and would be a good place to short), did not see any, but carefully re-applied heat-shrink tubing and electrical tape to protect the area plus enlarged the area a little. This morning I pulled the flasher unit, to see if replacing it would make a difference.

Has anyone else experienced something like this, and/or does anyone have useful suggestions on other things to check?

Thanks!

[Jimbocobra]

You might try replacing the fuse. I had similar issues with my turn signal it turned out that the fuse was the issue. Sometimes the cheapest, easiest solution is the best. However, it sounds like you may have some other gremlin in there.

[RICK LAKE]

Sledge Bill if you are getting a big jump on the amp or voltage gauge you have a wiring problem. I would start by looking at all the park and turn signal lights and sockets on the car. You have a shorted wire to ground on the left side of the car. Start with the sockets for the bulbs. replaced one at a time. Also check for water or corrodesion in the sockets. You could also have just a bad bulb on the left side. Does any thing happen when the brakes are applied??? Start with the bulbs and remove the covers. do this in a dark place and see if the bulbs look brighter or are dim with the signal switch on or off. Unhook the Alt to not damage the regulator. Next would be to test each wire for a short to ground or another wire. Make sure your grounds on the motor and chassic are clean and tight. You should have 2 grounds to the motor and 1 to the chassic. for the best electrical setup. If you are still having problem after this, send a p-m I will try and walk you through the problem. a wiring harness print out would help also. Rick L.

[SHTMDWN PA]

i had a similar meter jump, pulse with turn signals. Turned out to be a shorted cell in teh battery. New abttery; no more amp meter jump.

[Cashburn]

Are you sure you have the new switch wired as the old switch was? Any other changes made at the same time like a turn signal bulb upgrade or something?

[Sledge]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. As it turns out, after checking everything in the turn signal system, I found a loose connection at the ignition switch. Doh! Tightened the connection, no more needle wag, no more alternator going offline.

I never did like $%#@*& electrical systems.....and they've never liked me back