In my life, oddly, I have owned two 1983 4x4 pickups. The first one was is BAD shape and I eventually sold it for $600, and when I first purchased it, there was serious electrical issues. A really great mechcanic eventually solved it by creating basically a new charging system bypassing the regulator. So now a couple years later, I just purchased a '83 in great condition, but the charge and brake light came on (the second day I owned it) and this same mechanic seems to think the same thing is required. I really trust this mechanic, but this seems like other people should be seeing this issue- not just me. a brand new alternator will not charge (even with new regulator + battery). Is there anyone else with this issue? Any solutions?

Thanks

 

its your charge lamp relay I had the same problem and replaced eaverything and it was just my charge lamp relay try it

 

I will look into that...

 

if you have any more questions PM me or if your in colorado springs area I would be more than happy to help you

 

Just talked to mechanic, he has already tried one.

 

I had 2 go out with in a month

 

when the lights are on hit the PS dash a few times. If that doesn't turn the light off its not the relay.

 

The "brake" light could be the ebrake handle pulled out a tiny bit.

 

^^ could also be the fluid's low, but if the charge lights on the brake will be on too, always.

 

What would a really nice, clean, 1983 longbed SR5 with new 30in tires and a rebuilt transmission sell for- running great, with 143,000 miles. I wondering about the price I got it for.

 

I've never had luck with any regulators from parts stores, only toyota ones worked for me. + Double check connections on Alt and Battery or just make new ones to be safe.

 

I had the exact same problem with my '83, I replaced the starter and since the relay was bad it fried the starter. I replaced the relay which costs like twice as much as the starter and it fixed the problem. The charge light came on a couple times after but i tested it and it was charging correctly.

 

It is running! Yesterday the power entirely cut out which left me pushing a good distance... Fixed it the same way as my old one... a one wire alternator cutting out the whole relay, regulator system. Thanks for all the suggestions, I am glad to here it is a common issue. I thought I just had exceptional luck...