From: bob@pelicanparts.com on behalf of Bob at Pelican Parts [bob@pelicanparts.com] Sent: Saturday, May 22, 1999 2:21 PM To: Dickkosch@aol.com Cc: pelicanparts@csi.com Subject: Re: 914 Problem Wayne at Pelican Parts wrote: > > Hi there. Thanks for the feedback on the tech article. I'm going to > forward this to Bob in Tech Support, who will try to help you isolate the > problem. > > Thanks, > > Wayne > > -----Original Message----- > From: Dickkosch@aol.com [mailto:Dickkosch@aol.com] > Sent: Thursday, May 20, 1999 3:24 AM > To: pelicanparts@csi.com > Subject: Re: 914 Problem > > Hi' > > I recently replaced my ignition switch, which I ordered from Pelican > Parts, but it did not solve my problem. There was however some overcurrent > damage to the original switch. > Today I disconnected the alternator plug from the Regulator Plate. > When > I applied power to the system the parking brake indicator light flashed when > the brake was engaged and without the ignition key in (this same light > flashed, the alternator light was on, and the door buzzer sounded when power > was applied with everything connected, the ignition key out, and the door > open). I then did some continuity checks on the alternator and the > regulator > through the alternator plug. > Checking the alternator, the green connection to the brown connection > indicated a short or very low resistance path between them. The paths > between the red connection and the green connection, and the red connection > and the brown connection indicated open circuits. The path between the red > connection and the positive battery terminal indicated an open circuit for > either current direction. > Checking the regulator from the alternator connector on the Regulator > Plate, I received short circuit on very low resistance indications from all > connection combinations. I just remaved the regulator and obtained the same > results from the regulator terminals. > Is this enough information to isolate the problem? From my limited > perspective (the wiring diagrams in my 914 manual) it appears that it may be > the regulator. Can you positively verify this conclusion, and if so do I > need to call to order the part or can I authorize you to charge the part to > my credit card number that you have on record? > > Looking Forward To Your Answer > > Dick > > PS - The ignition switch replacement was extremely simple with your > directions and pictures, nice peice of work. Hi Dick, Long-distance diagnosis of electrical gremlins in extremely difficult. In my experience, the regulator is one of the first places I'd look with the situation you are describing. A bad diode or fried regulator can cause some bizarre symptoms. Is all the wiring in good condition? Have there been any modifications made to the electrical systems that might be causing problems?