Strange Electrical Occurence

[loubob]

Washed car in driveway Friday.
Dried car off with a leaf blower.
Drove back into garage.
Decided to test headlights as I recently installed 50/32 bulbs.
With engine running tried low & high beams. Ammeter showed significant discharge with each. Lights off ammeter still showed discharge. Tried again with same results.
Turned car off. Waited about 1-2 minutes and restarted car.
Tried lights and ammeter showed normal charge. Same with lights off.
I run an alternator otherwise all is original.
What could have caused this to happen?
Thanks.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

"Dried Car Off With A Leaf Blower" ???
Actually, I like that -

 

[40 Deluxe]

Water in the headlight switch, wiring, etc.?

 

[30 Closed Cab PU]

How much current, same as with headlights on or did the amps drop some with the lights off?

 

[katy]

Is the ammeter needle sticking?

 

[30 Closed Cab PU]

If it was a small current, perhaps stop lamp was stuck on? If happens again look at the lamp or manually pull the brake pedal back.

 

[Bill G]

If its a self exciting alternator, you do have to rev the engine up for a second when you first start the car to get the alternator to kick in. After it does it should continue to charge even at an idle.

 

[Badpuppy]

If its a self exciting alternator, you do have to rev the engine up for a second when you first start the car to get the alternator to kick in. After it does it should continue to charge even at an idle.

Most likely explanation, I'd say.

 

[Bruce_MO]

I agree with Katy... my ammeter will stick occasionally when I turn lights on. Just tap the dash firmly and it frees up.

 

[loubob]

Ammeter not sticking.
I did not think to check the headlight current.
Leaf blower does an excellent job of getting the water out of tight spaces.
Appreciate all the replies.
Thanks!