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Dim and Bright lights in the dash
#850860
11/11/10 02:40 AM
11/11/10 02:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,639
Brandon, Ms
cornet684me
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,639
Brandon, Ms
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i have a 68'dodge coronet , i was told that there is a way to wire a wire from the alternator to the battery to stop the dim and flickering lights in the dash, when the car is at idle, the dash lights are dim, when i give the car gas, the dash lights and all the lights get brighter, does anybody know the trick to getting brighter lights at all times?
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850861
11/11/10 06:39 AM
11/11/10 06:39 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 263
Switzerland, Europe
Swiss_Robert
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 263
Switzerland, Europe
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There are a number of post from a guy named nachort74 here on the board - he's the guru in my eyes about that...
So the "trick" would be a stronger alternator that can load the battery in idle.
First I would recommend to attach a voltmeter to check voltage at the battery when idling and at about 2000rpm.
(The trick "with the cable" is to fix melted bulkhead connectors at firewall or even ampere-meters - but if you check your battery you will find out if any bad connecitons are your problem)
After all these years having a 440 I realized that this means having an attitude... and a budget.
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: Swiss_Robert]
#850862
11/11/10 02:07 PM
11/11/10 02:07 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 606
Montana
Yancy Derringer
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 606
Montana
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Mopar did a "bad thing" with wiring in these, especially now that folks want to run stereos, pumps, fans, etc. ALL the high power conductors for the vehicle go through the bulkhead connector, sometimes two or three times, IE Alternator feed comes IN to ammeter, back OUT to battery, then headlights go OUT to lights, etc.
Also it has been alleged that the internal design of the older alternators (round back) are such that they simply do not "put out" much at low RPM.
I cannot personally confirm this, it may be true. You CAN use a newer "squareback" 70/ later alternator on your 69, by grounding the second field terminal.
So a combination of upgrading the alternator and look up the "Mad electrical" articles on ammeters and bulkhead connectors.
If you aren't a "concourse" freak, there are some ways to upgrade the wire size and keep the ammeter. One way is to drill out the bulkhead connector and slip larger wires right through with no connectors on them.
Also, on your dash lights::
Clean grounds, clean the sockets, clean or replace the bulbs. Make sure the bulbs are the recommended part no. There are MANY different bulb wattages of the same bulb size, so if you get a "heavy" bulb in one hole and a "light" bulb in another, you'll have a big difference in brightness.
Dirty, corroded instrument lamp dimmers don't help, either. You can actually reach a situation where as the charging voltage drops, the rusty wiper on the dimmer can start to arc and lose connection. Most of the time you can just twist the dimmer back and forth vigorously to clean up the slider.
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850863
11/11/10 04:10 PM
11/11/10 04:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
Sinitro
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
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Time to kleen the bulkhead connectors.. Unsnap each, wire brush the connectors and apply dia-electric grease. Replace any terminal that is damaged, replacements available from Napa. Keep in mind... The electrical systems in our ole Mopars was designed to handle a max of about 40 Amps.. If one has added electric fans, fuel pump, subwoofer amplifier the system need to be beefed up. Just my $0.02... 
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: MO_PA]
#850867
11/12/10 01:52 PM
11/12/10 01:52 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 606
Montana
Yancy Derringer
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 606
Montana
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Quote:
After all is said and done put a smaller diameter drive pulley on the alternator.
Not all that great an idea. "Back when" I was roaring around Sand Diego in my '70, it had the "optional" 60-65? amp alternator. Small pulley ona 440sixpack. After 2 failures, I figured out the ratio. 4:1 !!!!??? This means that when the engine is spinning at 5K, the alternator is spinning.........20,000 RPM!!!!
The windings vibrate inside, and scrape the insulation off "themselves," the little pins that the stator indexes onto in the cases wear, and allow the stator to get out of alignment. In one case, the stator was hitting the rotor!!!
I ran a Delco back then!!! This was 1973
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850868
11/12/10 02:11 PM
11/12/10 02:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
Sinitro
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
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Quote:
i have a 68'dodge coronet , i was told that there is a way to wire a wire from the alternator to the battery to stop the dim and flickering lights in the dash, when the car is at idle, the dash lights are dim, when i give the car gas, the dash lights and all the lights get brighter, does anybody know the trick to getting brighter lights at all times?
First...
Fix the bulkhead connectors..
A bigger alternator and/or pully change will not correct the problem if there are bad, oxidized connections.
Just my $0.02...
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850869
11/12/10 03:14 PM
11/12/10 03:14 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
jbc426
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
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As many posters have stated, it's a multi-issue problem. It's best resolved addressing the bulkhead issue, the ampmeter issue, upgrading the alternator wiring in both size and routing and if you are running anything more than a stock electrical load, swaping out the Mopar alternator for one of the many replacemnts that have been successfully used. One of the strongest alternators at idle is a Delco-Remy product. Check out this link. https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=3#Post6295580
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850872
11/13/10 01:44 AM
11/13/10 01:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,639
Brandon, Ms
cornet684me
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,639
Brandon, Ms
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i really do not have a major problem, i have replaced all the bulbs, while driving down the highway all the interior lights are fine, the problem is at idle, the interior lights get kinda of dim, however asap when i go back to driving again everything is fine, it is more a personal thing , i do not like the dim lights at idle, so what everyone is saying, the best fix will be changing out the alternator?
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850873
11/13/10 03:04 AM
11/13/10 03:04 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
jbc426
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
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How many wires does the alternator have on the back of it? (2)One bigger one and one smaller one, or (3)one bigger one and two smaller ones?
If you only have 2, you can buy and install the dual field alternator (3 wire) and that will solve the low rpm pulsing of the lights.
You will want to install a bigger, big wire from the alternator stud to the starter relay. Be sure to use the correct size fuseable link on the end of it at the relay.
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850875
11/13/10 10:23 AM
11/13/10 10:23 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,704
Florida
BDW
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master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,704
Florida
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Quote:
hey Wilson, that is the thing i had heard to do that is a simple fix, i read this article you gave me link too, so i run the wire from the starter rely to straight over to the alternator?
It's really that simple. As stated make sure you use appropriate gauge wire with a fusible link.
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: BDW]
#850876
11/13/10 02:00 PM
11/13/10 02:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,186
Wherever I am.
Junky
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,186
Wherever I am.
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Educate yourself by reading this. Then purchase and install a Denso alternator. All problems solved. From my experiences, the square back and the round back alternators have the same low idle problems. Not enough output to keep the lights bright.  Take a look at AndyF's Denso setup.
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: Junky]
#850877
11/13/10 02:38 PM
11/13/10 02:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,095
Valencia, España
NachoRT74
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,095
Valencia, España
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Quote:
Educate yourself by reading this. Then purchase and install a Denso alternator. All problems solved.
not agreed on madelectrical solution as many of you know from me.
Quote:
From my experiences, the square back and the round back alternators have the same low idle problems. Not enough output to keep the lights bright.
depending what squareback alt you choose. Stock 78 amps are available fro cheap ( $500 without core return ) and even they are not THE BEST OF ALL ( they are still some unneficient at iddle for the max output rate stated ) but they will solve the problems in the old school Mopar way. They put at iddle around 40-45 amps, what is in mostly of old Mopars the max alt output mounted
But average, yes, round and squarebacks alt are pretty much the same, simply squarebacks are easier to service.
elec or mech regulator is more relate with regulation eficiency not really with alt output, but of course a more efficience reg will result on a better charge capability with less power missing. Then also will save from "electrical noises" on electronic devices.
They mopar alt problem is more related with stator windings design than all the alt itself
Quote:
Take a look at AndyF's Denso setup.
if you don't care about old school mopar look, thats a great solution. If you care, you have 100 amps Tuff Stuff alts assemblied on old kind housings.
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: Junky]
#850878
11/13/10 05:06 PM
11/13/10 05:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
jbc426
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
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Quote:
Educate yourself by reading this. Then purchase and install a Denso alternator. All problems solved.
From my experiences, the square back and the round back alternators have the same low idle problems. Not enough output to keep the lights bright.
Take a look at AndyF's Denso setup.
Some good advice, but if he doesn't have any aftermarket electrical load a squarback will be more than enough to stop the low idle issues.
Denso's will work, but aren't much better compared to what's available these days. How about a CS144 with 80 to 115 amps at idle and 140+ just above idle. Bolts on to the stock mount with a $30 adaptor.
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850880
11/14/10 07:28 PM
11/14/10 07:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
Sinitro
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,439
So Cal
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Quote:
i really do not have a major problem, i have replaced all the bulbs, while driving down the highway all the interior lights are fine, the problem is at idle, the interior lights get kinda of dim, however asap when i go back to driving again everything is fine, it is more a personal thing , i do not like the dim lights at idle, so what everyone is saying, the best fix will be changing out the alternator?
Another basic question..
What is the idle RPM?
The lower this is, the less voltage the alternator will put out..
Just my $0.02...
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: Sinitro]
#850881
11/14/10 08:25 PM
11/14/10 08:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,040
Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,040
Lincoln Nebraska
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Good stuff. Clean all connections including grounds esp the bulkhead in/out or better yet Nacho's simple 2 wire bypass. 78 amp squareback from late 70's iirc (maybe 80's). attach stereos etc to the alt side w relays including the headlights. If want to bypass the ammeter run an 8ga from alt to starter relay protected w a 12ga fusible link and also a FL at the alt output. there's 2 sizes of alt pulleys & I would use the smaller one
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: hooziewhatsit]
#850883
11/14/10 08:53 PM
11/14/10 08:53 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,040
Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,040
Lincoln Nebraska
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When I was diggin thru my stash I saw 2 sizes but didn't measure either one but I would think yours unfortunately is the smaller one. EDIT pic is much larger (posted) than what it shows on my computer. You can see which one you have
Last edited by RapidRobert; 11/14/10 08:57 PM.
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850888
11/14/10 09:54 PM
11/14/10 09:54 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 565
IA
landon1
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 565
IA
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adding relays made a HUGE difference on my car with the brightness of the headlights. my stock dash lights always flickered a bit, but i don't recall how they acted after adding relays and now i run aftermarket gauges.
'71 Satellite Sebring 440
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: hooziewhatsit]
#850891
11/15/10 12:18 AM
11/15/10 12:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
1_WILD_RT
Management Trainee
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Management Trainee
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
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Found a diagram in my photos....
"The Armies of our ancestors were lucky, in that they were not trailed by a second army of pencil pushers."
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Re: Dim and Bright lights in the dash
[Re: cornet684me]
#850895
11/15/10 12:27 AM
11/15/10 12:27 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
1_WILD_RT
Management Trainee
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Management Trainee
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
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Quote:
randy, is this a pic of the 40a rely?
Randy, I accidentally linked the wrong photo... The relays you want can be had at any car stereo/alarm store.. Get the relay harness too... 
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