Dash lights dim and ignition connector gets hot.

General chat about the car goes in here.
Post Reply
Fiatracertracer
Posts: 160
Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:12 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat Spider - Lip Stick Red
Location: Wilton, Connecticut

Dash lights dim and ignition connector gets hot.

Post by Fiatracertracer »

I am experiencing an issue with my dash lights getting dim and my turn signal indicator arrows slowly blink when the rpms are close to idle. But all is OK at higher RPMS.

Battery checks good and charged, also pulled the alternator out and had it checked by an alternator rebuild shop and it passed (55amp).

What could this be?

Also, while checking around for loose connections in the engine bay and under dash, I noticed a loose female wire connector that led from the alternator to a male prong on the starter. It was very hot to the touch compared to the rest. I squeed the connector to tighten it using a small plier and then dipping it in dielectric grease before reseating it. I went for a test run and it no longer feels hot. I used the same repair method on other loose female connectors around the engine bay.

What happens to these connectors, should they all be replaced or updated with the latest and greatest connectors, does it make a difference?

Also, while checking under the dash, the rectangular white connector that connects the igintion swith, felt warm / hot to the touch compared to the other connectors.

Any ideas about why this connector was warm / hot compared to the others, has anyone else experienced this?
1982 Fiat Spider in restoration
AriK
Patron 2018
Patron 2018
Posts: 1148
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:58 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Dash lights dim and ignition connector gets hot.

Post by AriK »

When i experienced hot terminals on the plastic connector i opted for headlight relays and changed the ignition switch since it had early signs of failure. Scrape up any burn marks inside the connector and you should be fine. The headlight wiring passes through the ignition switch and overloads it. No more hot wires.
As for the dash lights i think they are born with weak DNA. I shut my eyes and clenched my lips all the way to the cashier and bought a half a dozen Sylvania Zevo LEDs from Walmart which are in rip off territory but at least now i know when my lights are on during the day. Those cheap LEDs from China are of no comparison in brightness nor quality and the Zevo always gets 5 stars in the reviews.
Do not put an LED in your alternator warning light socket.
User avatar
bradartigue
Posts: 2183
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:35 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Sport Spider
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Dash lights dim and ignition connector gets hot.

Post by bradartigue »

Heat = resistance. Corrosion or poor connection somewhere in the line, or a simple overload.
Fiatracertracer
Posts: 160
Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:12 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat Spider - Lip Stick Red
Location: Wilton, Connecticut

Re: Dash lights dim and ignition connector gets hot.

Post by Fiatracertracer »

Brad thank you.
1982 Fiat Spider in restoration
Post Reply