As Penthode correctly points out, there is resistance somewhere in the circuit path. If symptoms occur with either generator or battery-only power, the prime suspect is the grounding. Connect a wire to the (+) battery post and run it to the front. With headlights on, touch the other end to a headlight bucket. If the light brightens, the problem is somewhere between.
Lighting dims question
- Thread starter hangarb7
- Start date
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
"Turn on the lights, but as soon as I hit the brakes, lights dim considerably. Also, with lights on (no brake lights yet), horn just says 'eeeeer', although I have a great horn without the lights on."
Sure sounds like a short in the brake switch, wire, or brake light socket to me.
What does the ammeter read when you step on the brake?
Sure sounds like a short in the brake switch, wire, or brake light socket to me.
What does the ammeter read when you step on the brake?
Patrick L.
Well-known member
alexiskai
Well-known member
Everyone remember that the OP has a whole life, job, takes vacations, gets sick, and has to do the actual work that we are merely typing about. Give him more than 5 days to get back to us.
Penthode
Member
I strongly disagree. Without touching the brakes and switching on the headlamps only, the horn diminishes.
It is the wiring. Think about Ohm's Law. It is the DC resistance from the battery to the junction at the head lamp switch. Did you read my detailed post?
As was pointed out by Badpuppy, it could simply be a high resistance between the positive battery post and ground.
If it was a brake switch short, the ammeter would peg and you would get a bad smell...