Re: UPDATE Intermittent power drop when headlights are turned on

Posted by HH56 On 2012/2/4 21:21:06

I would think the needle should be to the right if generator is working and engine at more than idle speed. Curious how the battery is being kept charged if showing a discharge--unless the ammeter is not reading quite right.

On the other, it sounds as if your cut out relay in the regulator is dropping out for some reason when you turn on the lights. A surge when turning on perhaps? Jumpering connects voltage to the generator which energizes field coils and pulls in the cut out relay again. Is the regulator the correct one for the generator and car and properly adjusted for recommended cut out voltage? You might try the polarizing procedure. Doing it now won't hurt anything and might help. Essentially that's what was done with the jumper to battery -- except that with the generator running, couldn't get the full benefit. I would be tempted to add that ground strap or verify one is present since Tim says there may be one under the car next to transmission.