when i turn on the car, all my lights flicker. the headlights, parking lamps, radio dash, dome light, they all flicker. now i know why they do it when i first start the car, its because the electric choke is open, but when it warms up and the choke is closed the flickering stops. but then as i start to drive, when i press on the gas, it seems like it sucks electrical power from the rest of the car. for example, when i give it gas, my radio volume gets lower and all my lights dim for only a second, but still i want to fix it. i thought changing the alternator and cylinoid would fix it but it didnt. any ideas?

 

I'm not sure what's really going on in your car, but the last time I had bizarre flickering issues, I replaced the voltage regulator and the problem went away.

 

Get the voltage regulator and alt tested.

 

Voltage regulator would be #1 to check, there are electronic units now that are more reliable than the original design.

Alternator would by #2, have you done anything to the car that makes it want more electricity, like brighter headlights or a womper stereo? An electric choke should draw enough to create a problem. The stock alternator was barely adequate for the needs of a stock car.

Since #1 and 2 were already mentioned I'll add #3 just for some new content. If the problem only happens with the headlights on you may have a need for a new headlight switdh in your future.

 

well i havnt added anything that would require more electric power. stock headlamps and radio and speakers. ive put a new alternator and cylinoid recently. but it does it when the head lightsare on or off. when im driving during the day and i gas it, my radios volume will go down then back up after a second or two. but yeah maybe its the voltage regulator, i havnt changed it since i bought the car, so that may be it.

 

Just remember in the future that if you ever change the alternator, you automatically change the regulator at the same time.

 

I know this is elementery, but is your belt tight? Does it fit properly in the "Vs" in the pulleys? It almost sounds like the belt slips upon sudden acceleration, and catches again after a second.

V pulleys can and do wear out. if your belt is riding in the bottom of the groove and not on the shoulders, the belt can and will slip, often without making the typical belt "squeal". If you suspect this, you can buy a beltone size wider and find out for sure.