Flickering lights
12-04-2006, 02:55 PM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 155
Flickering lights
I know this is a 5.0 area, but I just bought a 1986 4 cylinder for DD purposes, so I can garage my 83 GT.
I dont know much about electrical components, but when I drive the 86, the lights (headlights, taillights, interiors) all flicker. I can watch the amp guage jump a little as the lights flicker too. The history on the car is that someone yanked the smog equipment, and did some custom wiring. The previous owner said it had charging problems. I just put a new battery in it, and have yet to notice it draining. I have an alternator on the side that could go in whenever, but I wanted to get some opinions first.
What could be causing this flickering and the irregularity of my amp guage?
I dont know much about electrical components, but when I drive the 86, the lights (headlights, taillights, interiors) all flicker. I can watch the amp guage jump a little as the lights flicker too. The history on the car is that someone yanked the smog equipment, and did some custom wiring. The previous owner said it had charging problems. I just put a new battery in it, and have yet to notice it draining. I have an alternator on the side that could go in whenever, but I wanted to get some opinions first.
What could be causing this flickering and the irregularity of my amp guage?
12-04-2006, 05:23 PM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Central New York
Posts: 3,850
RE: Flickering lights
take the car to advanced auto and have them load charge the battery and the alterantor, appears to be alternator, is there a bunch of extra electrical equipment? i.e. guages, lights, electric fan, waterpump, stereo??? headlights draw alot of current, could also be an intermittent ground. check and clean all ground wires also
12-04-2006, 05:54 PM
#5
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Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 155
RE: Flickering lights
They hooked up 6 flip switches to some sheet metal where the stereo used to be. I'm not sure what they go to, but when I flip them, nothing happens. There is no stereo or amp to draw more power. No guages or extra stuff. Fan is mechanical. The alternator appears to be the same as in my 83 GT, which creates enough amperage.
I will try to take it to Schucks (The Washington version of Advanced Auto) and get them to run an electrical test on it.
Thanks.
I will try to take it to Schucks (The Washington version of Advanced Auto) and get them to run an electrical test on it.
Thanks.
12-05-2006, 01:05 AM
#6
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Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 155
RE: Flickering lights
At Schucks, the guy tested the electrical. He said I was putting out over 15 Volts just with a 1500 RPM rev. Then when I turn on the lights and blast the heat, it gets over 16 Volts. He said my alternator is overloading the system. Is this possible? I didnt know that this could be a problem.
Anyone know about this. Should I replace the alternator? The battery is fine.
Anyone know about this. Should I replace the alternator? The battery is fine.
12-06-2006, 04:51 AM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 1,234
RE: Flickering lights
Yes, overcharging is possible if the voltage regulator fails. As mentioned, check your grounds.
Normally the voltage should read somewhere between 12-13v with the engine off and 13-14v running. If you have over that the alts regulator isnt shutting down. Overcharging cooks the alt along with the battery. The alt can catch fire and/or the battery can also explode.
If you do replace the alt, make sure the connections are tight and no corrosion. Im right at 13v +/- running and not running with no problems.
Normally the voltage should read somewhere between 12-13v with the engine off and 13-14v running. If you have over that the alts regulator isnt shutting down. Overcharging cooks the alt along with the battery. The alt can catch fire and/or the battery can also explode.
If you do replace the alt, make sure the connections are tight and no corrosion. Im right at 13v +/- running and not running with no problems.
12-06-2006, 09:45 AM
#10
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Central New York
Posts: 3,850
RE: Flickering lights
ORIGINAL: Blckstng93
Yes, overcharging is possible if the voltage regulator fails. As mentioned, check your grounds.
Normally the voltage should read somewhere between 12-13v with the engine off and 13-14v running. If you have over that the alts regulator isnt shutting down. Overcharging cooks the alt along with the battery. The alt can catch fire and/or the battery can also explode.
If you do replace the alt, make sure the connections are tight and no corrosion. Im right at 13v +/- running and not running with no problems.
Yes, overcharging is possible if the voltage regulator fails. As mentioned, check your grounds.
Normally the voltage should read somewhere between 12-13v with the engine off and 13-14v running. If you have over that the alts regulator isnt shutting down. Overcharging cooks the alt along with the battery. The alt can catch fire and/or the battery can also explode.
If you do replace the alt, make sure the connections are tight and no corrosion. Im right at 13v +/- running and not running with no problems.