Voltage Leak in '90 FJ62

[SmallManBigMouth]

Howdy,

So, I'd been having a problem with my power door locks awhile back, and finally determined my Optima Red Top had seen it's day. After replacing it with a new Red Top, all electrical accesories, including the power door locks, worked like champs.

It's been a few months now since replacing the batt. and I'm back to the same sluggish door locks. However with the engine running at speed, the door locks work great. So, and keep in mind my novice status when it comes to electrical, it would seem that my problem is when the battery is resting/not charging from the alt., right?

I've searched the forums and read alot about making sure all the ground points are clean--which I've checked. And, I've read about the fusible links causing electrical strangeness. My links look okay. I've cleaned 'em and sprayed them with dialectic grease, but I suppose they could be wonky.

So, my question to all you cruiser heads is: what do you think the problem is? Any ideas on where there could be a voltage leak?

As always, any advice/suggestions are great!

Thanks.

 

[CruisinGA]

Just to be sure- you have checked the ground lines from the battery to the body and engine mount? Also check the ground strap from starter to frame.

Honestly, at this point, I would consider making new power cables, every time I've installed a set of new cables on a truck it makes a noticeable difference.

I wouldn't characterize this as a voltage leak, but rather a resistance problem. With the engine running there is enough voltage to overcome some resistance, but by battery voltage alone there is not. V=IR, the more resistance, the more voltage it takes to get the required current.

 

[zcruiser]

I've heard that since all the window circuits go through the driver's door, the real cure is to take apart the door, get in to the switches and clean all the contacts along with checking the condition of the wires.

I'm guessing it's a similar cure for the door locks.

 

[SmallManBigMouth]

Thanks ZCRUISER.

I've actually been dealing with this problem for awhile--and since it manifested itself with insufficient power to the door locks and sluggish windows, I thought for sure it was the master switch. TODDSLATER walked me through disassembly of the doors and cleaning all the parts of the door locks and that wasn't it. Everything was clean and what was even a bit dirty I cleaned and lubricated.

Also, given that everything work's great with the engine running at speed, I'm tending to agree with CruisinGA that it's a resistance problem.

CruisinGA: Yeah, I think you're spot on. I'm going to get down and verify that all the grounds are clean. I think I'll also get a new set of fusible links, and if that doesn't do the trick, follow your advice and go the all new cable route. Thanks.