[Robert Adams]

[quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=35135]When I say “ohm out the switch” what I mean is that you get a wiring diagram and find out what terminals goto what on the switch and hook up the ohm meter while you move the switch to different positions checking to see if the switch is sending the correct signals when it needs to. I should really make a video on this at some point.[/quote]

I agree! Funny thing is when I started to have the electrical issues with my zx2 that’s when you started with the electrical videos, so it was perfect timing!

[Robert Adams]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don’t know much about electricity, but I did buy a multimeter the other day and I’m itching to use it. When you say “ohm out the switch” what do you mean exactly? Hopefully I’ll get the time to unplug the switch this week or weekend.

As far as an update goes, with the new alternator I put about 100 miles on the car and it runs completely fine, and the 20 amp fuse that I had out for the wipers also controls the blower motor, which works fine. I did notice last night that the gas gauge is stuck at a quarter tank, which may be the level it was at when the electrical issues started. The tach/speedo/temp gauge all work just fine. Any suggestions on this one?

Thanks again for the suggestions, and I’ll let you guys know when I test the switch

[Robert Adams]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don’t know much about electricity, but I did buy a multimeter the other day and I’m itching to use it. When you say “ohm out the switch” what do you mean exactly? Hopefully I’ll get the time to unplug the switch this week or weekend.

As far as an update goes, with the new alternator I put about 100 miles on the car and it runs completely fine, and the 20 amp fuse that I had out for the wipers also controls the blower motor, which works fine. I did notice last night that the gas gauge is stuck at a quarter tank, which may be the level it was at when the electrical issues started. The tach/speedo/temp gauge all work just fine. Any suggestions on this one?

Thanks again for the suggestions, and I’ll let you guys know when I test the switch

[Robert Adams]

Hi Guys,

The 20 amp wiper fuse also controls the blower motor. After putting it in and testing it the fan works, so the only issue (for now) is the wipers staying on. I read that the relay is inside of the wiper motor itself and the whole unit needs replaced. My question is could the switch be bad instead of the wiper motor, and is there a way to test each individually? Once I get that issue resolved I think I’ll be good to go.

[Robert Adams]

Hi Guys,

The 20 amp wiper fuse also controls the blower motor. After putting it in and testing it the fan works, so the only issue (for now) is the wipers staying on. I read that the relay is inside of the wiper motor itself and the whole unit needs replaced. My question is could the switch be bad instead of the wiper motor, and is there a way to test each individually? Once I get that issue resolved I think I’ll be good to go.

[Robert Adams]

Thanks a ton for taking the time to highlight the circuits in the diagrams, and to post them. I’m no electrician but I’m assuming since my 20 amp fuse for the wipers is not in (lol) then the blower motor won’t fire up?

I watched Eric’s videos on electrical diagnosis but I’m still having a little trouble looking at the diagrams and seeing the whole picture under the hood, so any tips on how to read them are greatly appreciated!

Also, I bought a zx2 service manual (electronic copy) so I have access to the stuff while I’m in my car.

[Robert Adams]

Thanks a ton for taking the time to highlight the circuits in the diagrams, and to post them. I’m no electrician but I’m assuming since my 20 amp fuse for the wipers is not in (lol) then the blower motor won’t fire up?

I watched Eric’s videos on electrical diagnosis but I’m still having a little trouble looking at the diagrams and seeing the whole picture under the hood, so any tips on how to read them are greatly appreciated!

Also, I bought a zx2 service manual (electronic copy) so I have access to the stuff while I’m in my car.

[Robert Adams]

Hi Guys,

So far with the new alternator the car seems to run fine. I ran it up and down my road probably 3 times (about 10 miles total) and then I took it to check the mail about 7 miles away yesterday with no issues.

I do have aftermath, however. The windshield wipers still stay on when plugged in which I didn’t mess with yet, and the heater fan doesn’t work, but when you turn the dial to change the direction you can hear it working. Any suggestions on determining which component is making my wipers stay on?

Thanks in advance!

[Robert Adams]

Hi Guys,

So far with the new alternator the car seems to run fine. I ran it up and down my road probably 3 times (about 10 miles total) and then I took it to check the mail about 7 miles away yesterday with no issues.

I do have aftermath, however. The windshield wipers still stay on when plugged in which I didn’t mess with yet, and the heater fan doesn’t work, but when you turn the dial to change the direction you can hear it working. Any suggestions on determining which component is making my wipers stay on?

Thanks in advance!

[Robert Adams]

[quote=”twiggy02919″ post=33915][quote=”bmxpegan411″ post=33908]Update: I took the alternator back and swapped it out (just to be on the safe side), installed it and made sure all of the connections were solid, and replaced the 10 amp air bag fuse, charged the battery, and so far the car seems to run fine, with no blown fuses. I only put a couple of miles on it, but there seem to be no odd symptoms so far. I did have to replace my rear turn signal bulbs and one tail light bulb, but I think they blew when I was having all of the main issues.

a ?, could a faulty alternator really cause everything that I’ve stated…blowing the main fuse, many fuses including the fuel pump one under the hood, headlight and taillight bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and causing the wiper relay to die so they are always on if plugged in?

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.[/quote]

I doubt it. But I hope I’m wrong and your car stays fixed.[/quote]

The thing I don’t understand is that ALL of the issues came with the swapping of the alternator. Maybe a loose/wobbly connection after changing the alternator caused them? Today I’ll take it for a few mile trip to test it out.

[Robert Adams]

[quote=”twiggy02919″ post=33915][quote=”bmxpegan411″ post=33908]Update: I took the alternator back and swapped it out (just to be on the safe side), installed it and made sure all of the connections were solid, and replaced the 10 amp air bag fuse, charged the battery, and so far the car seems to run fine, with no blown fuses. I only put a couple of miles on it, but there seem to be no odd symptoms so far. I did have to replace my rear turn signal bulbs and one tail light bulb, but I think they blew when I was having all of the main issues.

a ?, could a faulty alternator really cause everything that I’ve stated…blowing the main fuse, many fuses including the fuel pump one under the hood, headlight and taillight bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and causing the wiper relay to die so they are always on if plugged in?

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.[/quote]

I doubt it. But I hope I’m wrong and your car stays fixed.[/quote]

The thing I don’t understand is that ALL of the issues came with the swapping of the alternator. Maybe a loose/wobbly connection after changing the alternator caused them? Today I’ll take it for a few mile trip to test it out.

[Robert Adams]

Update: I took the alternator back and swapped it out (just to be on the safe side), installed it and made sure all of the connections were solid, and replaced the 10 amp air bag fuse, charged the battery, and so far the car seems to run fine, with no blown fuses. I only put a couple of miles on it, but there seem to be no odd symptoms so far. I did have to replace my rear turn signal bulbs and one tail light bulb, but I think they blew when I was having all of the main issues.

a ?, could a faulty alternator really cause everything that I’ve stated…blowing the main fuse, many fuses including the fuel pump one under the hood, headlight and taillight bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and causing the wiper relay to die so they are always on if plugged in?

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.

[Robert Adams]

Update: I took the alternator back and swapped it out (just to be on the safe side), installed it and made sure all of the connections were solid, and replaced the 10 amp air bag fuse, charged the battery, and so far the car seems to run fine, with no blown fuses. I only put a couple of miles on it, but there seem to be no odd symptoms so far. I did have to replace my rear turn signal bulbs and one tail light bulb, but I think they blew when I was having all of the main issues.

a ?, could a faulty alternator really cause everything that I’ve stated…blowing the main fuse, many fuses including the fuel pump one under the hood, headlight and taillight bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and causing the wiper relay to die so they are always on if plugged in?

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.

[Robert Adams]

I’ve never noticed anything like that. Most all of the issues came with the alternator swap. If a connector on the alternator was loose to where it wiggles a bit while the car runs could this cause the issues, such as blowing/melting the main fuse?

[Robert Adams]

I’ve never noticed anything like that. Most all of the issues came with the alternator swap. If a connector on the alternator was loose to where it wiggles a bit while the car runs could this cause the issues, such as blowing/melting the main fuse?

[Author]

Replies