> Likewise I've
> heard of some device that is responsible for "coordinating" some of this
> stuff (like a $30 switch),
It is called a voltage regulator.
I also would agree that because the the light started glowing first, the
charging system needs attention. The horns take alot of power and if the
battery is low, or the charging system not putting out enough, they will not
function.
Put a battery charger on the car and charge the battery up. If the horns work,
but the light still glows when the engine is running than the battery is going
down, either due to a poor charging system, or the battery has an internal
short. New batteries do go bad especially if they have been allowed to
discharge over the winter without periodic maintainence.
To check for wiring shorts that don't blow the fuse without using a VOM, replace
each high amp fuse with one of about 1/2 amp or lower. Don't turn anything on.
If you have a short, the fuse should burn out as soon as you put the 1/2 amp one
in. Of, course this will only check circuits that are fused and wiring that
comes out of the fuse block.
You can also make up a 12 test lamp with clip on leads. If you think the
"short" is more like a load not shutting off, use a 6 volt bulb as the 12 might
not glow.
Blake
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