<>Wiring Problems on a Z...NEVER! Chris writes:. <>Hey Doc,. <>I got a good one for you. Its a long story, so please bear with me. It all started with a charging problem I decided to cure with a GM one wire alternator upgrade. I installed the alternator and a new battery and everything worked great, till I got some advice off the Internet. The tech tip was on how to make the CHG. light go out on the VOLT gauge. It said to cut the connector off the voltage regulator (first mistake) and connect the wires to each other according to the wiring diagram on the Tech. page. So, I did, and the CHG. light went out...along with the interior lights, radio, hazards, gauge lights, brake lights, tail lights, park lights, heater blower motor, and I think the turn signals...cant quite remember if they worked or not. Anyway, it still started, once when I turned the key to start it didn't, but I turned it off and back to start and it cranked right up. So, I figured it was just a bug. Well, I went to the parts store and picked up a new voltage regulator, figuring I must have messed it up when I cut the wires off. I got home, and installed the new one, and at first nothing, no volts...nothing. Then I turned the key to the run position and the volt gauge popped up, the CHG. light came on, everything normal. Then I turned it to start, and got nothing, the volt gauge dropped to less neg. and the ignition relay, fuel injection relay, and another relay behind the passenger seat (not sure what that one is) started tapping. I noticed after the tapping the I had forgotten to take the old white and red positive wire off the new alternator, but with it being internally regulated, it shouldn't have put out any power and not caused any problems. I have swapped the voltage regulator again, just to be sure it's not faulty, I ohmed out the switches in the ignition relay, they ohm good, but I cant put power to them, so I don't know if they are operating properly. I got into the schematic and found that all the things that did not work on my car before the whole thing died where controlled by the ignition relay. IM wondering if I fried it somehow by having the old pos. alternator wire hooked to the new internally regulated alternator, maybe grounded it out somehow. I have also checked for voltage at the fuses in the fuse box, and I have no power, and no blown fuses. The fusible links look OK, there old, but worked before and are not burned, so they are still probably OK. I hope you have time to read all this, and I really need the help. Thins car is way to old to play swaptronics on, parts are getting expensive. PLEASE bestow some wiring wisdom on me!!!! I miss my car!!!. <>Thanks in advance for the help,. <>Chris. <>Doc replies:. <>Hi Chris, Doc here, it sounds like the wrong information had given you a mess! The best thing is to replace the alternator with a Datsun/Nissan IC Regulated type alternator and it will not require any rewiring. The electrical hookups are all the same plugs and connections, with the bonus of using the 'charge light ' also. The only thing that is required is to use the old pigtail section that is attached to the old voltage regulator, and connect the appropriate wires. You must have a voltmeter and go through the end of the connectors at the fusible links first. Then go to the fuses and check them at the outside squeeze metal contacts. On the older cars the fuses can be good, but the place where the metal ends squeeze the fuse the connections become corroded and then the circuits then fail to operate when loaded. I pray that you haven't fried something else in the process of this "upgrade". I hope that this helps you... For further information contact Doc's Auto Clinic: 209-742-6150 afternoons PST please. Are you a ZONC Member? JOIN ZONC! Z Owners of Northern California! Ask me How! . <>ZDOC OUT... :^).... <>Chris writes back: . <>Doc,. <>Hey, I think I found the problem with the wiring on my car. I took the ignition relay out of the case and zip tied the contacts together, and what do you know, it worked. I started the car a couple times, the tail lights, interior lights, blower motor and stereo still don't work, but I think that side of the switch may really be shot. I called the guys at motersport auto to find out about a new one, and they pretty much bit my head off for doing the "upgrade". Well, I've learned allot from this experience...don't put American parts on an import car!!! . <>Thanks for the help Doc, . <>Chris . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> . <> <>. <>. . <> .