flickering lights
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 378
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From: USA
flickering lights
Hey,new to forum was wondering if anyone has any ideas on flickering lights on 79 F350.I have changed the regulator but no change in concern.The lights flicker above idle speed,at idle they are OK.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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flickering lights
Check for proper idle speed
Clean the ground connection for the Voltage regulator
Headlight switches cause this too.
I put di-electric grease on my V.Reg. connections for better contact.
Dennis
Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"
78 F-150 429CJ,Silver
w/Explorer Pkge.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon
Clean the ground connection for the Voltage regulator
Headlight switches cause this too.
I put di-electric grease on my V.Reg. connections for better contact.
Dennis
Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"
78 F-150 429CJ,Silver
w/Explorer Pkge.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Suwanee, GA
flickering lights
When I bought my old '71 I had the same problem. With the engine idled up the voltage would start at about 11.5v and go to 16 and drop back to 11.5. The wiring harness had been messed with between the dash and the alternator. I learned this after replacing the alt,regulator, ammeter, fuses, ignition switch, and all kinds of stuff. Check your wiring under the hood. What fixed mine is that the regulator wasn't getting a proper 12v reading from the battery (the line had been tied to the one going to the ammeter in the dash) get a chilton manual as it should have a wiring diagram.
Tyson
Tyson
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 178
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From: Denver
flickering lights
i have the same problem, only mine extends to include the dash lights. is that also fixable with these methods? thanks guys
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
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flickering lights
if your alt. has a large pully at an idle your alt.is not turning fast enough to generate power so at an idle you are running off your battery and when you rev up the motor the alt. starts to work and generate elect. the flickering may be your voltage regulator if it is the old relay a new solidstate voltage regulator might cure this might
take your alt. in and have it tested but if a diode is out it will not charge or bareley charge or mabey run the battery dead when it sits
unless this is creating a real problem i would live with it it is some what normal
mike l
take your alt. in and have it tested but if a diode is out it will not charge or bareley charge or mabey run the battery dead when it sits
unless this is creating a real problem i would live with it it is some what normal
mike l
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Bloomsburg
flickering lights
I had the same trouble with my charging system.I had placed a ground cable from the engine to the frame then from the cab to the frame.After doing the grounding I haven't had a charging problem or flicker lights problem.Try this and see what it does for you.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 39
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From: Port Angeles USA
flickering lights
if you change your voltage regulator (now don't laugh) Get one for an 84 towncar. The 84 towncar has an electronic regulator. The replacement f series are mechanical. they hook up exactly the same
Shawn
Shawn
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,637
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From: Albuquerque
flickering lights
Hey! Thats one good tip on the electronic regulator! I'll have to remember. You can get flickering lights at idle from the mechanical regulator. I beleive the coil pulsates to control voltage.
Bear Tracks
Bear Tracks
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: USA
flickering lights
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Feb-02 AT 12:10 PM (EST)]Well,all the cheap stuff has been done so must be in the alt itself.Truck has electronic regulator in place.Truck has original alt that I replaced brushes in some time ago.I guess the local starter shop can check it out.Hate to install cheap aftermarket replacement. Thanks for everyone's input!
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,637
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
flickering lights
F.Y.I. I've pried the top off of what I thought was an electronic regulator before only to find the same old coil setup, so just because it's shorter and shinier doesn't neccessarily make it electronic.
Bear Tracks
Bear Tracks
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Senior User
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From: USA
flickering lights
Just thought I would update.I did have blown diode in the alternator but after having it fixed was still some flickering.Alt was 90% fix.After rechecking a few things I replaced "brand X" regulator with Motorcraft-end of problem.Both regs were electronic, both new.Hope this helps someone else.