Club 80-90 Forums

Hello all. Took my starter out to charge it up. When I put it back one of the smaller wires from the alternator had snapped (I think the blue one is the exciter, it was the other one).

I've fixed the wire and the oil light is flashing and the fuel and oil guages are not working. I redid the fix and same problem.

I've read a few posts and a bit in the wiki about swapping the voltage regulator behind the dash, cleaning grounds, twisting fuses to break any corrosion etc.

Before changing lots of things is there a logical order I should troubleshoot this? Any help appreciated.

Thanks

This is somewhat confusing. You can't charge a starter motor.

"Took my starter out to charge it up"

Starter Battery 

The first port of call is the connector to the instrument cluster.
Check it is securely plugged in.

Next would be to check for ignition voltage to the cluster - the black wire(s).

Check for continuity on the ground wire (brown)
If that all checks out,
Then there are two possible areas..
The plastic circuit board foil... check for damaged tracks.
Finally check the voltage regulator.
Note on new regulators, the leg order is back to front, so they are fitted upside-down.

If the ignition live is faulty then there is your issue.

If the ground is iffy... the usual shout is to clean the earth crowns and the female spade / Lucar connectors at the base of the left A pillar (under the dash).