Re: Reply to Packard 8's questions.

Posted by BH On 2011/12/26 22:39:35

Mark -

The parts book shows that your car should have an ammeter (as the battery charge indicator). It's not abnormal for that gauge to show some discharge during periods of peak demand, but that should average out over the course of normal driving - all other things being equal.

However, your description of the behavior of the gauge and vehicle does not sound normal.

That the Pertronix unit in your vehicle is somehow connected to the overdrive kickdown switch adds a new twist. I don't mean to imply that this, in itself, is a problem, but it makes me wonder if there's something amiss with the overdrive electricals.

I've no hands-on experience with servicing the overdrive system in your vehicle, but I do know that there is a ground-out function that comes into play, momentarily, for disengagement. The intent is to interrupt ignition spark just long enough to relieve engine torque and allow the overdrive engaging pawl to withdraw. Could there be a correlation, here?

I can't offer any further advice on overdrive electrical diagnosis, but perhaps someone who does will be able to help.