Headlight Issue

Rocketjosh · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 07:02 PM

Hey folks,
I've finally bought an Alfa ('71 GTV 1750), but of course like every car, it has its quirks. Unfortunately, the headlights are a little testy. According to the PO, most of the time they don't work, and if you try to turn them on while you're driving it kills the car. He did however mention that shaking (tapping?) the fuse box had some effect on getting them to work, but who knows. I'm going to pick it up in about a week and a half and I've been trying to think of every possible quick-fix to implement before I drive the car back to Chicago (it's in Virginia). Any ideas? I know it may seem ridiculous to ask without knowing more about the car, but even suggesting possible reasons for the problem could be helpful.
Thanks,
Josh

**papajam** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 07:27 PM

Congrats on your new toy!
Interesting problem. Could be as simple as a flat battery caused by a charging system issue. I'd also clean every fuse and wire connection at the fusebox.

**Roadtrip** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 08:37 PM

You're a brave man to drive a car with some weird electrical issues that far. If it's running ok without turning the headlights on, I'd advise you confine driving to daytime and not tempt you electrical system to go Tango Uniform on you.

You might want to take a long length of wire with you and if the ignition dies, you can just disconnect the existing wire to the coil and run a hot wire from the battery to the coil and bypass the fusebox and key switch mess altogether.

Rocketjosh · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 09:40 PM

Am I brave or just plain stupid?

What I would really like to do is find a solution that I maybe can have the PO work out before i get there. Could it just be that the battery needs to be replaced? I'm sure there's other electrical gremlins at work, but maybe that could do the job for now. Thoughts?
Thanks for all of your suggestions,
Josh

**67GTV** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 12:45 AM

Congratulations on your purchase Josh! I know you've been looking for a long time.

Hopefully the PO can get the electrical situation in order prior to your pickup. Has he ever had a professional take a look at it? Maybe you can still work that into the deal. If the PO claims that she's driveable, working headlights should fit into that description.

ossodiseppia · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 06:48 AM

Josh,

Buying a car from out of state is alway risky. Owners are typically motivated to get their money and get the car out. It would be in your best interest to have someone look at the car before you fly out. You should consider spending the money to have the car checked out. Or, try and find a knowledgeable Alfa owner in the area to go take a look for you. There may even be a local Alfa shop that would do one for you. If there is, ask the current owner if he wouldn't mind taking it to the shop. In most major cities, there are companies that will do a used car inspection. Some, may even provide a mobile service. There's a guy here in Denver that does it. He has three different prices. The most expensive if around $150. He came by my house to inspect my car for a potential buyer. Part of his inspection included a compression test and a peak inside the cylinders with a scope.

Good luck with your purchase. Please keep us informed.

Rocketjosh · #7 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 09:18 AM

The car was actually checked out by someone on the BB (alex csank) before I even found out about it. The owner has been very straightforward with information (including this problem) and has even given me information on the rebuild it had (down to what parts were bought and from where). I was aware of the headlight problem, but didn't think about it enough when considering driving it home. I'm thinking i'll probably just drive it during the day, thus getting rid of the headlight problem (for now). Anyways, does anyone have an idea or possible reason for why this is happening besides those already posted?
thanks for those responses,
Josh

Rocketjosh · #8 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 09:17 PM

I talked to the owner and it turns out I had it wrong. The running lights are the ones having the problem. I figure on the drive home I can just put a couple of bicycle blinkers in the back window (a possible ticket im sure).

Josh

**Farace** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rocketjosh
I talked to the owner and it turns out I had it wrong. The running lights are the ones having the problem. I figure on the drive home I can just put a couple of bicycle blinkers in the back window (a possible ticket im sure).

Josh

**Farace** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 10:29 PM

Oh, and one other thing: sometimes unplugging and replugging a power connector will solve the problem. I went nuts trying to figure out why I wasn't reaching ground on one light, and it wasn't the ground at all, it was a poor power connection.

**67GTV** · #11 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 12:32 AM

Say Josh,

I just put 2 and 2 together. You bought that red 1750 GTV that Alex checked out! Way to go! She looks great! I look forward to your progress updates.

Rocketjosh · #12 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 05:33 AM

You got it Kai, that's my car.

Josh