The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Pulsing lights....

This is a new one on my '71. Got in this morning to go to work and after starting the truck I turned on the dome light and noticed it was pulsing. So, I turned the parking lights on and noticed the dash lights were doing the same. Headlights full on.... yep, those too. So, the question is what is causing this?

As Paul Harvey would say.... and now for the rest of the story..... It has a new voltage regulator and a new alternator. I can't trust the ammeter because I don't think it's working very well. I mean, I unhooked the alternator and started the truck once and the ammeter stayed at the halfway mark instead of reading full discharge. Now, the only other electrical items that have been replaced thus far are the starter and ignition switch. I definitely need a new dash harness since the one in it is a rats nest to begin with and it got melted pretty good when the ignition switch shorted out. Everything works, it's just the lights are pulsing. Think it will make a difference once I finally find a decent dash harness or do I need to be digging somewhere else?

If it's like my 64 Plymouth, the ammeter is causing it. there is a voltage regulator that reduces the volts to 5 for the gas gauge. It still works but makes my lights pulse at idle. they seem to steady out on the run.

That's the same symptom I'm having, the lights pulse at idle and steady out on the run. hmmmmm... I have to pull the instrument panel anyway so I may as well replace the ammeter while I'm at it. Thanks 53monster.