turn signal causing radio to shut off

[MikeFleming]

What is battery or system voltage when this symptom occurs?

Most radios will begin to cut-out at 10.0 VDC while ignition will continue to work (light loads) down to 8.5. Get a volt merter (or similar LED indicating device) connected to the cig lighter.

The wiring, regulator and alternator are all parts of the charging system. Have you replaced the alt with a known good unit?

On a larger note: Even if the alternator and charging system is working properly the [stock] alt is only gonna output 60A with engine >3000 RPM. Depending on the electrical loads, that might not be enough to keep up. Some numbers:

Ignition on, engine running - 8 A
Fuel pump at full chat - 15 A
Running lights - 12-15A
Head lights ( (assuming stock-ish 60W each) - 12A
AC - 12-20A (with fan)
Fog lights - 12A
Turn signals - 10A

You can easily see that running all of the above can quickly exceed 60A. No to mention conditions where the engine is idling.

[NY eric]

What is battery or system voltage when this symptom occurs?

Most radios will begin to cut-out at 10.0 VDC while ignition will continue to work (light loads) down to 8.5. Get a volt merter (or similar LED indicating device) connected to the cig lighter.

The wiring, regulator and alternator are all parts of the charging system. Have you replaced the alt with a known good unit?



On a larger note: Even if the alternator and charging system is working properly the [stock] alt is only gonna output 60A with engine >3000 RPM. Depending on the electrical loads, that might not be enough to keep up. Some numbers:

Ignition on, engine running - 8 A
Fuel pump at full chat - 15 A
Running lights - 12-15A
Head lights ( (assuming stock-ish 60W each) - 12A
AC - 12-20A (with fan)
Fog lights - 12A
Turn signals - 10A

You can easily see that running all of the above can quickly exceed 60A. No to mention conditions where the engine is idling.

When it runs it puts 14.4 to the battery. when it is cutting out it is 12.2 or less. the shop took my alt and put load on it and they said it passed. Max output was 74 amps. They said they put 70 amp load on it. The alt is the 65 amp unit. I will reinstall tonight and check the wiring for something crunchy there.. any other possible culprits?

[Under Pressure]

Is this the Ignition switch you're talking about? The electrical thingie!

[MikeFleming]

^
Yep. That be the column-moonted ignition switch.