Electric Relay Under Dash Cycling

[BillCA63R1]

Whenever the ignition is on (Start/Run or Accessory position) a relay cycles every 5 to 15 seconds. The ammeter shows a 10-15 amp draw (reduced charging when engine is running or discharge if key in in Accessory position). A second or two later the ammeter returns to normal and there is an audible 'ping' as the relay relaxes. This doesn't seem like normal operation of the electric system but I am new to the Avanti. Any information about this would be appreciated.

Bill Ruttan

[Gunslinger]

It sounds like a circuit breaker is tripping. There's at least two breakers and maybe three...if your car is so equipped, there would be a power window circuit breaker; a windshield wiper circuit breaker; and a breaker for the headlight, tail lights, parking, license plate and gauge lights. If there's an open circuit allowing any of these to draw too much current or a hot lead grounding out the breaker will do as you describe. It could also be a weak breaker.

I would think it would likely be the light circuit as either power windows or windshield wipers trying to operate would be obvious. Check connections and make sure none are touching ground. Don't forget the wiring in the overhead switches as they can pretty easily touch ground. It might also be a bad light switch.

BTW - if your car is equipped with power windows, the breaker for that could be in the engine bay depending on when the car was built. Engine heat gets to that breaker and Studebaker moved it to under the dash and recommended prior cars have their breaker moved as well.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Gunslinger

[BillCA63R1]

Further investigation revealed that the cycling relay was, in fact, the 5 amp circuit breaker for the windshield wipers. I had known that the wipers would not "park" properly, but apparently their motor was continuously drawing power and tripping the breaker.

Unplugging the power cable from the wiper motor has stopped the problem for now, but looks like a motor rebuild will be needed. Good thing that we don't get much rain in the California desert!

Thank you Gunslinger for your post.

Bill