Pulsing lights and bouncing voltmeter

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Jun 4, 2009 | 07:50 PM

afinepoint

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Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2003

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From: Richmond, VA

Pulsing lights and bouncing voltmeter

The dash lights, headlights - all lights pulse about three times per second. The dash voltmeter bounces in sync with the lights. The movement is small but noticeable.

I haven't started troubleshooting yet. The tachometer is steady but I think I can hear a slight pulse to the engine. This could be imagined.

The alternator was replace 20,000 miles ago. I haven't checked if the voltage regulator is integral with the alternator.

The weather has been rainy lately. I don't remember this occurring in dry weather. If it were a slight ground it seems the lights would just dim.

Ideas?

Reg

Jun 4, 2009 | 09:59 PM

Pkupman82

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From: Muskegon, MI (home)

It could be your voltage regulator is going bad. I would start by checking to connections to the battery and alternator. It's amazing what havoc a bad electrical connection can make.

Jun 5, 2009 | 02:57 PM

afinepoint

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Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2003

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From: Richmond, VA

Plan to do that. It's been raining without a break for days and I don't want to mess with live wiring while standing in water.

Thanks for the reply. So the regulator is separate?

Reg

Jun 5, 2009 | 06:57 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

If this is the 2001, it's built in.

Jun 5, 2009 | 08:03 PM

afinepoint

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Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2003

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From: Richmond, VA

So the alternator which I just replaced has to replaced?

Jun 5, 2009 | 09:28 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by afinepoint

So the alternator which I just replaced has to replaced?

If all the connections look good, and the plugs that plug into the alternator are not melted, then yes, it would not be unusual to get a bad alternator if it's remanufactured.

Jun 7, 2009 | 09:04 PM

afinepoint

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Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 1,148

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From: Richmond, VA

The rain has gone, and so has the problem.

However this morning it was foggy and I noticed the greater the load on the alternator the bigger the swings of the needle. The headlights a little, my KC's more and the on board compressor running got the most movement.

This evening with sun and no fog - no moisture in the air I could not get the needle to bounce with either the headlights or fog lamps. At least I couldn't make out any movement.

Look like it's time to get out the spray bottle, flashlight and go hunting. It must be the alternator or a common ground. However the KC's and compressor grounds are not tied in any way to that of the OEM headlight circuit.

Reg