Electrical gremlins again

[Huw Powell]

Radek wrote:
> Hi Guys;
> 
> My son's 1988 90Q is acting up again.  I took it to work this morning, stopped at a gas station, filled up, tried to start it. It would crank but not catch.  I turned the key back, then to "on" again and all instrument lights started flickering, then died completely.  I turned the key back again, then back to "on" and everything was back to normal.  Tried to start it but the starter would just click once and not turn.  Another try - everything dead.  This went on a few times so I figured out a busted ignition switch.  Got the car push started when the switch was kind enough to provide a good connection and eventually got the car home - voltmeter would show a bit low, 13V while underway.
> 
> Back at home I changed the ignition switch to a brand new one (had a spare one he shelf).  The old switch had the typical broken plastic collar, so I thought I was OK.  NO, NO.  The flickering was gone, but starter would not crank.  When turning the key to "start", voltage at the battery would drop to 6V.  OK, in addition to a broken ignition switch the car may have had a shorted battery.  
> 
> I put in a new battery (had a spare one on the shelf), fully charged, and tried again.  Key turned to "on" - everything seemed fine.  To "start" - cranking, and finally the engine runs.  I look at the voltmeter and THE ALTERNATOR IS NOT CHARGING.!  WTF?  It was charging before, with the shorted battery and a broken ignition switch!  Voltage at battery with engine running was showing 12V.
> 
> I put in a spare voltage regulator (had a spare one on the shelf) and it still isn't charging!
> 
> Where to look next?  

Wow, what other spare parts do you have? You might have a bad starter. 
But it does sound a bit like the electrical gremlins have attacked.

Is the alternator bulb lighting up in the "run" (before start) position? 
    The ignicator circuit to the alternator/VR runs through it...

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/