On my 69 Dart I have noticed that when I am cruising down the road with my headlights on my amp gauge will jump quickly from charge to discharge repeatedly. The headlights/dashlights will also dim/brighten in sink with the gauge when this happens.

I know the headlights dim when idling with the headlights on but not sure why it's jumping around while cruising. It seems to act normal while idling with the lights on. I was contemplating installing a new voltage regualtor and a headlight switch(the dimmer is messed up on the original switch).

Everything is great when the sun is out it just acts up with the headlights on. Anyone have any other ideas of what is happening?
Thanks

I would start by checking the connections since it is free.

It could be, but I doubt it is in, the headlight switch. I would think the headlight ground to be more likely. It's behind the battery on the radiator support on most cars.

It is probably the voltage regulator or the brushes in the Alternator are wearing out but check the connections and wiring first.

I'd get a new ELECTRONIC VR (wells vr706, maybe 607?) or if oe appearance is desired a guy here has one w a black cover $25 to your door and I'd pull the alt brushes & check them real quick but most likely the VR. you mean the dash lights dimmer rheostat thats part of the headlight sw or the hi/lo beam dimmer sw?

I will start with the connections. Do you guys know the name of the person selling the factory appearing electronic regulators?

RapidRobert- I meant the dash light dimmer that is part of the headlight switch. Sometimes I have to jiggle it to get the dashlights on.

Thanks for the tips

please read http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml
do the amp gauge and headlight relay bypass. buy good wires and relays. I did the amp on my 69 bee, this weekend i'll do the headlights. i did the headlights on my truck and i can tell a difference.plus add more grounds!!!!!

Joe

The guy selling them I cant recall his name but his ad is I think the A body parts for sale but not for sure but it's there somewhere. Might take the h lite sw out & check the rheostat coil and make sure the arm that makes contact along the coils that it (& the coils) are bright/shiny and the arm has enough constant tension to bear on the coils as you rotate it on around

It's your mechanical regulator clicking on and off. Either adjust it, procedure is in the FSM, or get the electronic guts version.

My 65 Cuda does it a bit and it's NOT grounds, lack of relays or dirty connections. It's the mechanical regulator.