Dash lights dim when I apply signal or brake???

[ronwest]

My dash lights dim when I apply signal or brake. I also notice the volt meter drop just a tad from 13.5 to around 12.5. I have new auto-meter gauges.
Any ideas on this... was thinking a bad ground SOMEWHERE? When I raise the rpm slightly it does not dim at all.

[Nacho-RT74]

low or not charge at idle, tipical Mopar deal, even since new. Nothing wrong or damaged, simply bad Chrysler enginering department design

I posted full info about everything related:
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,62772.0.html

and there is MORE INFO around from some others members. Several options to solve that

[tan top]

 

[Nacho-RT74]

also more info here ( i posted same link there )

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,64454.0.html

[scatpakrt]

Have the same problem with a 71 Charger R/T. Went thru entire electrical system, cleaned or replaced wire terminals, and same problem existed.
Read Nacho's post about adding 8 ga. wire to starter relay to alt. batt. terminal, problem solved. Mine would drop so low at stops at nite, car would die.
However your alt. gauge will not be accurate any longer. Noticed in the Chrysler Service Manual that ma mopar did bypass the bulkhead connector completely and ran an 8 g. wire thru firewall grommets directly to the amp meter gauge on police and taxi vehicles. Since this wire from the alt. to the gauge is where all accessories.(all lights, radio, etc.) get their power it has to be large enough to carry the load. Today's alternators seem to be low on current output at idle and the smallish wire cannot maintain current to everything that is on. I plan on installing an 8 or 6 g wire from the alt. terminal
to the alt. gauge using firewall grommets and bypass the bulkhead connector problems forever.

Great job Nacho on your post!

[myk]

Nacho's information is awesome, but I recommend the 90 or higher 'amp alternator upgrade, headlight relay upgrade, and your problems will be solved.  I now have the confidence to run electric fans, high power stereos, electric fuel pumps, even the entire state of New York.  Leave the 60's technology where it belongs-in the past...

[Rolling_Thunder]

most older style alternators don't charge very well at idle man...     Use Relays where you can, and a higher amp alternator will help a lot - AR engineering sells kits to swap on  a newer style Nippon/Denso alternator...   they seem to work a little better at lower rpms     

If you need any help you know where i'm at   

[ronwest]

Thanks Alex... I saved your number, we spoke a while back. I might have to give you a call for your help on another electrical issue.

Thanks!

Ron