battery light

[Steinbru@VNET.IBM.COM]

Ref:  Your note of Fri, 11 Sep 1998 00:10:19 -0500 (attached)

Mmmh, the coupe alternator and one other warning light had been
doing something that forever.  Now the alternator seems dead.

Near the end, the lights which had previously glowed dimly more
or less continuously would vary from full on to full off
(including times of just glowing as before), seemingly in step
with engine torque (not necessarily revs).  This seeming
relationship with physical engine position made me think the
problem might be related poor electrical connections to ground or
supply (probably ground).  However...

I have checked all the ground wires noted on the Bentley diagrams
as near the engine or related to charging or warning lights.  I
even pulled the instrument cluster and reseated T10.  Belts,
pulleys, wires, connectors, ground straps, battery; everything
looks good??  but the problem still remains.  So the car sits now
for three days w/dead alternator, recharged battery, while I
ponder the wiring diagrams more and wait for divine or q-list
inspiration, like you.  Please post the list any interesting
replies.  If no rain tomorrow, the alternator comes out for test
and brush inspection.
--Gary

('86's:5ks&5ktq+'87CGT)
----------------------------- Note follows ------------------------------
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998 00:10:19 -0500
From: "Daniel R. LeFebvre" <danbu99@bu.edu>
Subject: battery light

hi all,
                    after putting my third alternator in my 86 5000cs,
my battery light comes on sometimes.  it is faint at engine idle, and
brightens with engine revving.  what is going on?  i am totally
confused.  it is as if there is a little insect crawling around in my
car eating wires and components.  the sun roof, passenger seat, certain
window switches, and anti-locking brakes have ceased functioning (not
all simultaneously, of course).  i brought it to a mechanic to try and
find if there was an abnormal draw that was buring out my alternators,
but he couldn't find anything.  and the last alternator seems to be
holding up.  any ideas?  please email me directly.  incidentally, i
drove a 20valve for the first time the other day.  that thing screws!  i
didn't realize that the turbos in 20valves went up to 1.9 bar.  it makes
me want to chip my own vehicle to approach such performance.  thanks for
your wise responses.
dan
86 5000cs
191,000 miles