Symptoms of electric components failing.

[Nick 916]

I see alot of folks keep spare electrical components with them at all times. What would be the symptoms of a bad Ignition module, Voltage regulator, ballast resistor? Just want to know what to look for in case one fails. 74 Charger with a 360. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[1967coronet440]

I see alot of folks keep spare electrical components with them at all times. What would be the symptoms of a bad Ignition module, Voltage regulator, ballast resistor? Just want to know what to look for in case one fails. 74 Charger with a 360. Thanks for the feedback.

You'll know when your car won't start... that's why people keep those parts in the car so they do not get stranded when one of them fails. Really are no symptoms, it's sudden and you will know it when your car shuts down or will not start.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Bad Ignition module = car quits while driving, may quit running only when hot/warmed up/driven for a while, back of module may start to melt, it can get really hot

Bad Voltage Regulator = battery will go dead, battery will over-charge, your dash ammeter gage might start acting weird.

Bad ballast resistor = car won't fire, car fires during cranking & then immediately dies

 

[Ranger16]

An overcharging regulator can also eventually take out an ignition module.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I never have got a Ballast failure in 18 years so never have got a spare for that... and in case of emergency a jumper wire will save the problem up to reach a place to get a replacement or home. I'm amazed how lot of ppls talk about that locally and up there in USA and I never have advertised that fail.

NOW, an ignition module YES... is mandatory. Maybe even a dist pickup coil.

Voltage regulator... I don't think is really necesary. You could run with batt for about an hour without a problem, AND IN CASE OF A REALLY EMERGENCY also a jumper to the alt field ( full fielding the alt ) will save to get home or a shop for a replacement.

 

[Nick 916]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[Bruzilla]

I just had a ballast go bad. I was sitting in a drive through for about 15 minutes. I went to pull out, and the engine was running but there was no power and it felt like it was starting to cut out. I coasted into a parking lot and the engine died. From initial onset of symptoms to death was all of about 15 seconds tops. Once I stopped and tried to restart, the engine would start and them immediately die as soon as I let go of the key, which is the classic sign of ballast resister failure.

I've also had a coil fail, and it was just game over. One second you're driving and all is right with the world, and a second later all you hear is the radio.