Electrical Problem?

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Jan 27, 2011 | 01:47 PM

awright48

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Electrical Problem?

So, During my 6 hour commute home last night in the DC winter storm, i noticed that my lights would flicker. (Usually takes me 30 minutes to get home) I had the defrost on high, full heat and window down to keep me from over heating. I noticed that my lights looked light they were flickering. It happened so fast that I couldn't tell if it was mine or lightning. But definitely was flashing off of the car in front of me. it looked almost like i was flashing my high beams on. It happened so infrequently that i was unable to confirm that it was mine. any suggestions on things I should check or do? My truck never sounded like it was going to die or anything, thankfully.

Jan 27, 2011 | 02:00 PM

wtroger

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Mine does that when the electric fan comes on or goes off. And the fan will be cycling when you are on defrost due the the compressor running.

Jan 27, 2011 | 07:55 PM

michigan66

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From: Dexter, MI

You may want to have an auto parts place (Advance or Auto Zone - the do with no charge) test your battery and alternator output. With all the electrical stuff you have turned on, you are placing quite a load on the electrical system. If the system isn't up to par, it may be overloaded, causing the headlights to flicker.

Does your ALT gauge flicker under these conditions? A sudden increase in electrical load may cause the needle to wiggle and you would notice your headlights flickering at the same time.

Jan 28, 2011 | 05:44 AM

xxshine

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: Ca.

There are aftermarket headlite wiring harnesses that work better than stock. Easy to install, too.

Jan 28, 2011 | 01:06 PM

wtroger

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FYI on the late model Ford somewhere around 2002 they went to letting the ECM control the Alternator output. They call it softstart The ALts use different voltage regulators and they are not as quick to pickup charging rates as the old systems this was supposedly to stop engine surging caused by electrical loads coming and going. That being said when the Electric fan comes on the lock rotor amperage is in the neighbor hood of a 100 amps the system just can't compensate quick enough to stop the lights from flickering. Same as your house does when the AC kick on. It won't hurt to have the system tested just be leery they like to sell parts. Some times the best thing you can do for your cars electrical system is to clean the connections.

Feb 1, 2011 | 07:40 AM

awright48

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@Michigan66 I Did not notice the gauge flicker, it happened to quickly for me to notice. I will take it to Advanced Auto to do the check and will update you when I can. Thanks for the responses!

Feb 1, 2011 | 08:05 AM

powersmoked

Fleet Mechanic

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From: Boston, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by awrii=ght48

@Michigan66 I Did not notice the gauge flicker, it happened to quickly for me to notice. I will take it to Advanced Auto to do the check and will update you when I can. Thanks for the responses!

if you have AAA they will come to you and test the bat and alt.