Technical Eletrical Issues

[Farrael]

Hi everyone!

My name is Rafael, from Portugal and an owner of a Punto MK1 Van (1994)

I have a little doubt about the electrical system.

When I turn on the Indicator (Left or Right), the lights of the Dashboard, get some low itensity. The same when I Brake or use the Reverse.

I've a video to proof: _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA-_iTKIuzM

Oh, I forgot to say, when I use the indicators, the license lights also flashes and the presence lights too but a little bit.

My question is: it's normal?

Regards!

 

[fingers99]

Not normal. I'd undo, clean, silicone grease and replace all the earth connectuons you can find. Also the condition of the bulb connectors. I've noticed that the H4 headlamp units on Cinquecentos and Seicentos can overheat and turn to a coal like substance. Around this time you'll find various dash lights glowing. Replacing the connector (they're cheap) and coating the contacts with silicone grease (corrosion usually causes a poor connection, leading to heat build up, leading to the connectors burning up).

 

[Ziggy122]

Chances are said above its going to a Dirty Connection somewhere
It depends where its happening tho

if it does with both side indicators it means you will probably need to clean and refit both the front and rear lights

The other alternative - the nasty one is
The battery is weak, as a result the alternator is doing more work then it should
So as the demand of an indicator (on off on off) makes the alternator do the same
DEMAND, less demand, DEMAND, less demand

Other small devices such as clocks can suffer, it can cause other effects like the lights diming as well

Start by giving all the connectors a really good clean, and refitting them
If this situation doesn't improve, check the batteyr and alternator

ziggy

 

[Farrael]

Thanks for the replys.

I already cleaned the Cluster Conectors (both left and right), I changed the left cluster to another (on scrap) without any rust and cleaned with Electric Cleaner Spray but the right cluster which on the area where the fog bulb is I can see a little rust but I cleaned with the Cleaner Spray and I rubbed to try to remove the rust but there's a little place where I can't remove is the edge of the bulb holder.

By the Way, where is the earth connection for the Clusters? Yesterday I found a place which is covered with carpet and I removed and I saw three holes but no any wire.

And I discovered when I turn on the rear defroster the symptom is the same shown above on the video.

 

[Ziggy122]

it might not be the light clusters then

it could forwell be the main chassiss to body earthing points

Look at the Negative Pole on the battery

you will probably see it split into several wires

1 will most likely go to the gearbox
1 to the chassis, or it might go gearbox to chassis to negative

There is probably a big multi-connector as well
If the Body's and bolts are rusty on them - its going to be them at fault
They cause higher resistance, do the energy from the lights backtravels, or gets reduced - hence a "Flashing" sensation

Give them a Good clean and protect with some sort of Copper grease threads and vaseline

ziggy

 

[s and b]

i would suggest you run new earths from at least the back lights to a new grounding in the bootall area

 

[Farrael]

it might not be the light clusters then

it could forwell be the main chassiss to body earthing points

Look at the Negative Pole on the battery

you will probably see it split into several wires

1 will most likely go to the gearbox
1 to the chassis, or it might go gearbox to chassis to negative

There is probably a big multi-connector as well
If the Body's and bolts are rusty on them - its going to be them at fault
They cause higher resistance, do the energy from the lights backtravels, or gets reduced - hence a "Flashing" sensation

Give them a Good clean and protect with some sort of Copper grease threads and vaseline

ziggy

Thanks!

I'll check after the Work...

Please clarify me. I Saw a Wiring Diagram and there i found two earth points that connect the Cluster (Left and Right). See picture:

_http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/407/puntox.jpg/

The Arrows aims to the Earth Points

Where i can found this? And How to Access?

 

[Ziggy122]

Thanks!

I'll check after the Work...

Please clarify me. I Saw a Wiring Diagram and there i found two earth points that connect the Cluster (Left and Right). See picture:

_http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/407/puntox.jpg/

The Arrows aims to the Earth Points

Where i can found this? And How to Access?

There going to be inside the Boot under the boot carpet somewhere

I believe you only have 1 in the boot, could be wrong tho

Ziggy

 

[fingers99]

If it's like a Cinq or Sei, they'll be underneath the rear bumper.

 

[Farrael]

I Found the Earth connections for the Rear Clusters. They're located underneath the bumper, as "fingers99" said.

I checked both connections but they're OK. I cleaned 3 relays located near the engine (maybe they be used for ventilation system). The connection near the battery appears to be OK, but i've the same issue.

I Think the problem is the Alternator. BTW, the battery is new (2 months old).

 

[Ziggy122]

Put a Volt meter on the Battery terminals

A.Read the Voltage when the Engine is off
B. Engine is running
C. Engine is running with full Demand (ie lights, heaters,fans, stereo etc)
D. engine running with full demand + a few revs (2nd person Maybe required if no throttle cable)

report back to us then

ideal volages are
A 12.2 - 12.6v
B 13.6 to 14.4v
C 13V+
D 13.5v+

If the alternator isn't able to provide when demand is high, it could forwell be the alternator dying

Ziggy