Electrical Problem Need Help

[nelson007]

Your right, I will do all the simple things first. At first I did not think it would have anything to do with the battery because it starts great.
Thanks.
Nelson007

[nelson007]

I did not have time to check out anything on the car today. When I originally found out I had a electrical problem it was during day light hours. I just had to move the car with the head lights on. When I backed up all OK. But as soon as I started to pull forward and pull the clutch out the headlights had dimmed and the bright symbol came on. It did not do it when I backed up the car. I will start checking things out tomorrow. Does this latest symptom mean anything to anyone?

Thanks in advance,

Nelson007

[mike100]

random incandescent lamps turning on and a dim headlight output are screaming bad ground on the main cable.

do a voltage drop test across the battery post to the next connection point.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by mike100

random incandescent lamps turning on and a dim headlight output are screaming bad ground on the main cable.

do a voltage drop test across the battery post to the next connection point.

Dittos on grounding!

My FSM is not handy, but soon as it is, I have an "itch" that needs a scratch!

P.

[nelson007]

Thanks Mike,
Are the main cables runs start from the battery? Is there any particular places that I should check?
Thanks again,
Nelson007

[nelson007]

Follow up,
I removed the battery from the car. I did a load test on it and it checked out OK. I started cleaning and wire brushing all the cables in the battery compartment.
What ever wire I could get to was cleaned in the engine compartment. Did not see any signs of corrosion. I took it for a test ride and at first all looked OK. Than it started again. The bright light symbol came on as soon as I let the clutch out in first gear. At first I thought maybe had to do something with releasing of the clutch. But I than tried the same thing in reverse and the bright light symbol did not come on. Just for the hell of it I went and bought a new battery. After putting the battery in, it still did not make a difference.
Can someone tell where the cables go when they leave the battery.
Will put the car on the lift today and see what I can find underneath.
Any other places to check, or do please let me know.
Thanks In Advance,
Nelson007

[SteelBlueZR1]

Hi Nelson,
Sorry to hear you are having this issue on your new Ruby Z. i think the advice on checking and cleaning the ground on top of the transmission tunnel is sound based on what I've read and seen at Wazoo maintenance days. The location of the car's many chassis grounds are listed in the Factory Service Manual, but Jim and Wazoo can show you some tricks to get to the grounds, which can be tough to locate. I watched with amazement as they managed to tighten the ground on top of the trans without dropping the trans to solve a Z with electrical issues similiar to yours.
If you haven't yet bought the Service Manual, you should, as the diagnostic flow charts and ground location details will make this much easier.

[captcorvette]

Quick question. Do you use the steering wheel to help you get in and out of the car? I have heard of some issues with pinching wires under the steering column. Indeed I have been chasing electrical problems for a couple of years now. Due to a front right accident, my stupidity (water on the engine---yep wanted to work on a clean engine), letting someone else remove the steering column etc. etc. I made more problems than I solved. Recently was able to isolate several electrical problems but the big one turned out to be pinched wires in the steering column. Had horns shorted, one turn light shorted, headlight motors, high beam indication on and off, dimming radio lights, dash lights dimming and then coming on correctly at times. It has been an expensive and laborious exercise but have finally managed to get a handle on wiring. Just might be something for you to look at especially if you or the previous owner used the steering wheel to get in and out of the car. Worth considering.

[nelson007]

Thanks Bert that sure will be helpful. I ordered the manuals and have not received them yet.

Captcorvette, I do use the steering wheel sometimes getting out. I just had back surgery 6 weeks ago.

Thanks for all your help.

[captcorvette]

I started using the steering wheel of my cars to help me get out right after a near fatal accident 5 years ago. I use a short broom handle or shortened cane to help me get out of the cars comfortably now. But with the wires re-installed in the wrong position any force on the wheel including just adjusting the tilt was giving the wiring fits and increasing my 4 letter word vocabulary. Good luck and this is the right place to get help as this group of folks are the most helpful I have ever found and unlike me they are very knowledgeable.
Wayne