Hello all, new guy here. I've just recently purchased (less than a week now) an '89 BII XLT 2WD and have a few questions about a couple of things that I just can't figure out. I've read through every thread on here and the answers given for somewhat similar problems just didn't seem to fit my particular case well. Prior to purchasing my BII, my Father-In-Law checked it out pretty well and gave it the "thumbs up", which to me is as good or better than a factory reps word. He's been working on vehicles since he was 14 and is now 59. Let me say also that I have been lurking here for a few days now and like the forums alot, and hope to make this site a daily stop.

First quirk.....There is a constant "rattle" in the left front wheel area that I just can't figure out. Bumpy or smooth roads, turning, or braking makes no difference. I first thought it may have been the anti-rattle clip for the brake pads but it happens even during a hard brake so I ruled out the pads....I could be wrong. No other problems or noises are present and the suspension and steering are in good shape visually, and handle well. Any ideas on what I might check?

Second.....the dashboard "battery light" comes on and stays on for 5 minutes or so after the engine is started. Cold or warmed up makes no difference. It starts great and is showing the battery to be charging but the light stays on every time. Any ideas??

And lastly (for now anyways).........the A/C. Any ideas on what kind of $$$ and the degree of difficulty it will take to retrofit the existing A/C system for the new R-134a???

Any and all help is appreciated...Thanks.

 

Welcome to FTE

When you find that rattle in the lift front ,Let me know my894x4 has beening doing it snice it was neew 106K later and it still has it As for the atl light try hoking a volt meater on the battery and watch it to see if the alt is realing charging,If it is Im lost as wast to do if it is not charging get the atl rebuilt.On theAC I could not begin to help you ,but Im sure someone here will..again WELCOME!!

 

Well about the rattle, mine does it too.. but only once in a while.. its not constant. My first thought was the little wire on the ebrake release was hitting something.. no go. Then i took off the inside molding by the footwell... still couldnt see anything that would be doing it. So my point is.. now you know a couple things not to look for. Let me know if you guys ever figure it out. About your dashlight... id just check the actual alternator and make sure its good. If it is, ignore the light. If it wont pass safty inspections because of it, leave it running so when they check it the lights already off. And as for the ac... sorry buddy cant help ya there, mine was already done when i got it. Cost me about $20 to buy two bottles of 134 to recharge it though.

 

On your A/C issue..go to autozone and get the retro-fit kit for 20$..make sure you have all the r-12 removed first, then buy 3 cans of R-135 and just follow the derections on the can..mine worked fine and i live in Vegas!!

 

The A/C depends on your system. Is it not holding freon now? I would do as baddmove said, but would replace the dryer, the O-rings at both ends of both hoses, and any lines that look bad(cracked or gummy near the crimps) hook a vacuum to the system and make sure it will hold, then fill er up.

 

Thanks for the replies folks.

I got the first 2 problems taken care of....

#1 was a loose wheel trim ring I guess. I tapped all 4 on with a rubber hammer until they looked completely seated and the rattle went away.

For #2, I replaced the battery and both battery cables...No more light except at start-up.

As for the A/C system, I'm going to get the retrofit kit and go to the R-134a, after a system pressure check of course.