71 cutlass has a volt meter tied into Acc line along with the radio. It used to read 11.5 to 12 volts when in Acc. Now it only reads about 8.5 to 9 volts. Radio kind of still works. I measured voltage with a real meter and it is accurate so the problem is not with the volt gauge. I am really missing about 3v. I measure 11.5v at the ignition switch (in Acc mode) on the Acc line... which is a big brown wire. There is also a smaller brown with white tracer attach to same terminal. Ok.. so somewhere between those to points I am loosing 3v. I do not have a wiring diag. and wildaboutcars.com wants me to become a member for a few bucks just so I can see the service manuals. Not about to do that now. So does anyone know the path from that brown wire on the ignition switch to the yellow Acc. line under the dash. Got 11.5 on the brown wire... only got 8.5 on the yellow wire under the dash.

 

Check the radio fuse in the fuse block. They can get pretty corroded but still look okay.

- Eric

 

Yes, measure on both sides of the radio fuse. If the difference is your missing 3, then replace the fuse.

 

It may not be the fuse itself, but the terminals on the fuse block can become corroded and create resistance. Clean them with some fine sandpaper till they are shiny. Should solve your problem.

 

Be sure your radio has a good ground. take your volt meter and check between the radio case and ground. If you have 3 volts then you need a better ground.

 

You guys are so smart... It was that fuse holder.
Thanks

 

You're welcome. Glad to help out.

- Eric

 

Whew,I thought 3 of the electric cars had been stolen.