SA Electrical Help

[Pete_89T2]

Hmm, that relay wiring does not look at all OEM - if it came with the car, I would expect some sort of plastic connector for all pins, not spade lugs on each terminal & individual wire.

I'd say it's part of some aftermarket accessory that a PO put in or had put in - maybe part of an alarm system, or car audio accessory?

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

Hmm, that relay wiring does not look at all OEM - if it came with the car, I would expect some sort of plastic connector for all pins, not spade lugs on each terminal & individual wire.

I'd say it's part of some aftermarket accessory that a PO put in or had put in - maybe part of an alarm system, or car audio accessory?

I agree, but it definitely controls the A/C. With it disconnected the A/C doesn't work at all. The other "A/C relay" does something with idle control. With it disconnected the idle doesn't bump up to compensate for the extra load on the engine. I almost wonder if this was some kind of aftermarket A/C system installed after the car arrived stateside.

Still no "aha" moment though. I had my wife help me for a few moments and I was able to confirm voltage does increase with engine speed but not nearly as high as indicated on the gauge.

I also figured out why the steering wheel was so sloppy. Some kind of plastic o-ring at the end of the steering column has completely rotted out. Not sure if I'm SOL or if there's some way to replace it.

[chibikougan]

Looks like it may have had some fusible links so they put in a relay.

[chibikougan]

There is a blue and yellow that go into the cab for the:

Ignition

Alt Warning Light

a-10 connector...

[chibikougan]

It looks to be a regulator for the alternator... from the 79 wiring diagram.

[chibikougan]

Yeah Voltage Regulator...

http://www.rx7club.com/1st-generatio...pgrade-967330/

[FC Zach]

Most parts stores have the ability to bench test alternators, whether or not this test can be done with your application, I don't know but it's worth a shot.

My guess is the regulator but I'm not familiar with the first gens and their parts.

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by chibikougan

There is a blue and yellow that go into the cab for the:

Ignition

Alt Warning Light

a-10 connector...

Yeah, I see it now. The YL (yellow/blue) wire runs from the "L" terminal on the external voltage regulator to the alternator warning light but is also connected to the oil level warning light, coolant level warning light, and tachometer circuits. It's still a question of whether it's the alternator or the voltage regulator and I still don't know how to test them. The only thing I've been able to verify is the is the L terminal doesn't have continuity with the A and S terminals, but does with the others, which is consistent with the wiring diagram. I'm going to dig into the display more tomorrow to see if I can't find a short somewhere.