Electrical

[TargetTurbo]

Hey guys, I am new to the SVO world. Just bought an '86 1C about a wek and a half ago and am having a few problems. I was wondering if anyone can tell me where I may be able to find a diagram of the wiring for my headlights. I seem to have a short or loose relay because my headlights flicker and shut-off all the time. If anyone has any advise please let me know. Thanks guys!

[svobud]

Don't have a wiring diagram, but have you changed the headlight switch? They're prone to going bad...

[TargetTurbo]

I was reading that under the description of the headlight switch ad in the 50 resto mag but wanted to check the wiring. I have a lot of loose wires under the dash (from who owned it before) and I don't know where they go so wanted to check that out first....I will definitely be buying a switch anyways, thanks for the advise =).

[TargetTurbo]

Guess I need to by a stinkin Haynes manual hehe....=)

[svono50]

TargetTurbo, check out Helm Inc for manuals. A great one to have for most electrical and vacuum problems is the EVTM (Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual). Here is their website:

https://www.helminc.com

[TargetTurbo]

svono50, thanks for the advise. I think I will check them out and get a manual from them if you think it is more helpful than a Haynes or Chiltons. I know the last time I try to read an electrical diagram for a vehicle in a Haynes, it was very hard to dicipher the paths and colors. Thanks again for the link =).....you guys have been most helpful. I hope in solving some of these problems I will be able to make the reunion, if not I may truck it up there and hand someone some cold hard cash and say "Fix it!" Thanks again guys.

[svono50]

Jayson, Glad to help. As for wiring diagrams, I have yet to find one that is a 100% match with my car, so don't get too frustrated if something isn't an exact match. The Helm manuals have matched my car better than any other though.

A note on the Haynes, I found that you need to look at the 87-up wiring diagrams to match our 86 models. The pre-87 diagrams are for the EEC-III ignition equipped cars for some reason.

[bigwingsaleen]

blinking lights

I agree with Bud..before you go chasing a problem through the electrical system spend a little money and swap out the headlight switch.....This has fixed my problem TWICE!

[TargetTurbo]

Thanks guys...I have a switch being bought as we speak so hopefully that will solve all the problems....if anything else persists then I wont hesitate to let yall know...ya'll have been great. =)

[TargetTurbo]

alternator

Hehe...found a problem. There is a small positive and a small negative wire that attach in seperate places on the alternator but combine into a 3 pronged male connector. Needless to say, the connector was split in half but the postive and negative prong from the connector are still there. Uhoh, where's the third prong? I don't know =(. So I am hoping that I can get the wires and connector at a local parts shop but if that fails, SVOCA....I hope one of you guys has a parts car lying around because this might be hard to find. As a result of this, the car hesitates and shuts down eventually, then I can't resart it because it seems the battery is completely drained due to no charge from the alternator. Hopefully thats all it is and the proper fix will complete what I have posted in my Hi post under the welcome forum....if not, well, I will result to asking you all for more advise. Man this site is GREAT!!!! =) Thanks guys.

[SVOeric]

that harnes is not available from Ford any more.

Mine did the same thing, and I cut the connector off, and took the 3 wires, used some good connectors to hook them back together, then used some heat shrink wrap on them to keep them dry.

If you are working on a concourse restoration, I can understand that you might not want to do this, but for a car that is a driver, it is the easiest alternative...(and a very common problem)

[TargetTurbo]

Well the only problem I have is that the positive and negative wires off the alternator are the only two wires ton the male side of the connector left. On the female end there are three wires. My question to you Eric is, Where does the third wire come from? I will take a pic of what I have and let you see what I am talking about. Thanks.

[TargetTurbo]

electrical charge

I know you guys told me to replace the headlight switch. How do I get the switch out?
Also, I have replaced the alternator, fixed the wires from the pig tail from the back of the alternator, bought a new voltage regulator, and guess what? NO CHARGE!! The car idles for about 5 minutes and then slowly shuts off. HELP!!! I really want to drive my car to the reunion but time is fading quickly =(.

[pegasus.v.o]

You will have to reach up behind the dash and feel for the switch. On the bottom side there is a small metal button about the size of a pencil eraser , depress this button while pulling out the headlight switch shaft. After u do this unscrew the shaft bezel which will release the switch from the dash.Then its just a matter of crawling up under the dash to finish the job.

[TargetTurbo]

Thanks Pegasus, that was easy to find and it is truely the size of an eraser =).....anyways I have been so frustrated in the car at this time I haven't proceeded with the removal of the headlight switch....I am kinda tired if ya know what I mean but thanks for the intructions, now I know.
I learn something new everyday =).