Electrical questions

[Jim Meade]

I have some questions on my electrical system. CTSW.

 

1. Alternator light comes on more and more often and lower (not idle) speeds. Noticed that it sometimes also blinks with the beacon.

 

2. Amp meter shows a fair amount of variation in a short period of time. Can go from -10 to +15 amps at the extremes, often goes from -3 to + 6.

 

3. Volt meter is pretty stable, fluctuates about 0.4 volts

 

These phenomenon were noted when only the master switch, gen switch, master avionics switch and intercom were on. No nav lights of any kind.

 

 

[coppercity]

As Roger always reminds us, start with all of the ground wire connections. Check them all starting at the battery to the terminal block on the firewall and behind the instrument panel.

[mocfly]

I have found that removing the connections and hitting them with a little scotch brite does wonders.

[Jim Meade]

So, you guys are saying that varying meter indications is likely a ground problem and not something else? Good to know, because that is likely not too serious, just takes some time and effort running it down. I was afraid maybe it was a critical component beginning to fail.