alfa electrics - 1980 GTV

[kartone]

The "glitch": Engine stops at speed.
Accompaning sign: Alternator light comes on
Circumstance: On some occasions this occurs when the indicators are activated (not through the emergency switch) or when reverse gear is selected and the reverse lights comes on.

"Glitch, the sequel": When cruising in fifth gear with no load on the engine at 3-4000 rpm the engine occasionally misfires, this is accompanied by a ticking noise from the fuse / relay panel area 

Has any alfista experienced these omens ? Do we have exorcist in the Club ? 

[Neil Choi]

I am guessing faulty alternator or battery.

Check alternator for charge, while engine is running, 14V.

Have battery checked or put in a good one from another car and see.

I think I went through similar episodes recently with race car.

Though I could be wrong, and quite possibly wrong.

But easy check.

Neil

[colcol]

When the charge light shines on the dash, that means the Alternator is not charging the battery, the battery is being drained, where do i start!, the blinker switch could have a internal short circuit, the fuse box could have a faulty relay, the alternator regulator could be faulty, the alternator brushes could need replacing, the alternator innards could be worn out, take your pick, Colin.

[giulia_veloce]

Replace the Ignition switch
And add an ignition switch relay.

Robert

[GTVeloce]

Ah, alfa gremlins. Gotta love them. I once had a starting issue; randomly, the car just wouldn't turn over at all. When this happened the voltage at the starter motor would say 7V. I replaced the battery (numberous times), alternator (twice), engine, removed the ignition switch completely (had a push button starter), ran all new bigger wiring, put in a relay etc. Still didn't work. But, If I walked away, had a coffee and came back it would ususally start fine. A bit of a problem if I wanted to be on time though.

I recall in the Haynes manual at the rear of the electrical section it mentions something about an issue similar to yours (cutting out at speed) and what to look at. I haven't got the book on me but I can look tonight. I seem to recall something about an altitude something-or-other.

Julian

[kartone]

Thanks to all.
1. Battery is new
2. The alternator was recently rebuilt by Bosch repairer, including supply of new external voltage regulator
3. Ignition switch checked, all OK
As the alternator light comes on when:
a. The indicator switch is used (versus the emergency lights switch); the stalk switch will be checked (the flasher unit is common to both switches and so must be OK)
b. Reverse gear is engaged and the back-up lights come on; the reverse light switch and bulb grounds will be checked

[kartone]

GTVeloce, if I install an espresso machine in the back she might fire-up 

[colcol]

It looks like there could be a short in the blinker switch, if possible, change it for a good one, if not, check wiring going to switch and wires going to globes, see if there is any chafing on metal parts of the car normally if the charge light shines, then the battery is being drained rapidly, such as high beam lights or heater fan, etc, Colin.

[giulia_veloce]

Ign switches usually always check out fine.
But they are a problem
I dont remember which wires on the back of the ign switch,but remove them from the ign switch,and put them on a toggle switch,and then evaluate and see if the problem still exists.
Adding an ign switch replay makes the wipers and heater fan etc work better and faster.
I have changed many ign switches,and added relays over many years on many different customers cars,mainly Alftetta 4 cyl + GTV V6 and the result= fixed.
Its only an opinion,and you have run out of ideas.

Robert

[GTVeloce]

Kartone - looks like I got confused. I looked up the Haynes manual and the thoughts I was referring to are for fuel injected models, which I am presuming your is not.

[Craig C]

I'd also double check the earth from engine to body if the reference to speed relates to car vibration.  I ended up putting two new earths on and then later had to deal with the same symptons when vibration shook the bolts loose from my starter motor so the symptions were similar to yours but only at speed when the car was vibrating.

[kartone]

In scrutinizing the ignition switch, where the wiring loom sleeve meets the switch, two cut black wires can be seen.
Since no accessories have been installed or removed, what can these wires be for ?
To further investigate the ignition switch has to be removed from the steering column, how is this done ? Drill-out the reatining plug ?

[giulia_veloce]

About six inches away from the switch,you should find a block where the wires car be separated.
Its usually a 3 wire joining block on an 80 GTV.
Put the toggle switch there to evaluate.
I have replace 2 ign switches on customers cars in the last month= problem solved.
If it is too hard,remove the lower steering colum cover,and get an auto elect to bypass the switch with a toggle switch so you can evaluate if your switch is faulty.

Robert

[kartone]

Thanks Robert. Good excuse to leave work early today: by toggle switch and install.
Will advise as to progress and result.

[kartone]

How is the ignition switch removed from the steering column ?