Battery voltage meter.

[holmbush]

I am a relatively new S driver and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Caught in traffic the other evening so on the road later than planned. As dusk fell I switched on the headlights so other drivers could see me coming! Noticed that the voltmeter dropped to the red zone and did not move until the lights were switched off - I have not noticed this before but rarely drive the car in the dark. Is this normal or do I have a potential charging problem. The battery appears to be OK on starting. Any hints and tips welcome.

[ketvrin]

Could be a number of things. It is normal for the gauge to dip when the lights are creating a load on the system but they should not take it into the red... what does your gauge read normally when you switch on (no engine running) and when the alternator is charging ? I'm just wondering if the gauge already reads low...

if the gauge is OK then you have an excessive load when the lights are on. does the gauge dip when the sidelights only are used, on dip or just main beam? maybe its just one of the circuits which will help you isolate the problem.... other than that ita a case of tracing the whole circuit checking the wires, connections relays and switches

good luck

K

[Gerald-TVR]

Could the dreaded yellow connector be adding a drain to the system. When mine was removed and hard wired there was an increasein battry voltage

[holmbush]

Thanks guys - where is this dreaded yellow connector?

[ketvrin]

holmbush said:

Thanks guys - where is this dreaded yellow connector?

It will be below the steering column on the LHS if it is still there behind the cowl(many have been replaced/removed by now...) Norman will be along in a minute with a picture

K;)

[Gerald-TVR]

'ere you go

[holmbush]

Thank you for both location and picture - I now know where to look and what to look for! A search for the connector will take place this very evening - if found faulty (burnt) what is the approved or favourite method of repair? I assume replacements are not available and even if they are should some other method of connection be used?
G.

[Scoobimax]

i can't see voltmeter (or any other meter) in the dark as when i put the lights on i have no dash ilumination anywhere. I have noticed the volt meter blinks (in daylight) in time to the indicators though!!!!

never had a problem starting and the voltage drops on initial start up but soon returns to the normal(ish) 13 volts after a couple of minutes.

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi George

The best bet is soldered joints - no future problems then

[holmbush]

Norman,
thanks for that. I'll look out the soldering iron from the toolkit.
G

[ketvrin]

Scoobimax said:

i can't see voltmeter (or any other meter) in the dark as when i put the lights on i have no dash ilumination anywhere.

dont you have a switch on the dash ? they are controlled separately from the outside lights... maybe its just the switch thats goosed and I think a Triumph switch is a very near replacement IIRC ...

blinking with the indicators is normal... TADS...

K

[Scoobimax]

ketvrin said:

Scoobimax said:

i can't see voltmeter (or any other meter) in the dark as when i put the lights on i have no dash ilumination anywhere.

dont you have a switch on the dash ? they are controlled separately from the outside lights... maybe its just the switch thats goosed and I think a Triumph switch is a very near replacement IIRC ...

blinking with the indicators is normal... TADS...

K

do you mean the dimmer switch under the dash? it seems to spin in its housing but has no effect either if i hold the housing still. I can have a gander and try to find a replacement

[Barkychoc]

Mine isn't a dimmer - its a 3 way rotary switch.
Mine is off/on/off

There are a couple of big square resistors just behind the drivers side front wheel that are part of the dash lighting circuit.

[ketvrin]

Mine is like Chris's but mine has Off/Dim/Slightly less Dim settings ~ best seen in complete darkness to get the full effect and its mounted on the centre console next to the Rear Foglight switch and Fan switch

K

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi George

What model/year S do you have, big difference in switches etc between S1/2 and S3 on

[holmbush]

My car is an S3C (minus the C) 1992/3 vintage. (J). I have no problem with the dash lights (such as they are) The switch seems to dictate Dim, dimmer and off! Just concerned about the low reading on the voltmeter when using headlights. Checked the yellow connector as advised and somebody has beaten me to it - it's not there. Next step is to check the brushes on the alternator.
G

[ketvrin]

Your alternator is charging isnt it ? have you put a meter on it to see what output it has, also has the "ignition" light bulb blown ? I believe that is needed to create the load to enable the alternator to begin charging... maybe its blown and you havent noticed so you are gradually running down your battery ? just a thought ...

K