Charging Problem?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 8
From: Milton Florida
Charging Problem?
I had a weak battery and just replaced it. Now, all of my lights, the headlights, dash lights, interior lights, etc are all blinking like a strobe or pulsating. I was told by a friend that I need to replace the alternator now because it looks as though the regulator in the alternator has gone bad.
Is this right? The alternator is putting voltage out, but above the 14.0 volts as normal. It will range from 15.9 down to 13.8.
This is a 1984 Vette.
Is this right? The alternator is putting voltage out, but above the 14.0 volts as normal. It will range from 15.9 down to 13.8.
This is a 1984 Vette.
Last edited by yn1bennett; Jan 8, 2007 at 04:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Did you do a test on the battery? also Did you do a test on the volt output of the alt to the battery? if not, i would check that first to see if your alt is putting out voltage or take the alt to napa, a parts store and have it check....
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Most likely you have an oscillating voltage regulator in your alternator. Engine idling and lights blinking, unplug the connector on the alternator and see if the blinking stops. If it does, you can replace the voltage regulator, have an auto electrical shop replace the voltage regulator or replace the alternator, in that order of expense.
Don't bother taking your alternator to a parts store to test because they can not test for an oscillating voltage regulator.
Don't bother taking your alternator to a parts store to test because they can not test for an oscillating voltage regulator.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: anacortes washington
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 8
From: Milton Florida
Just got my new Alternator in last night and exchanged it. Now, all of my lights are not blinking like before. Charging adverage of 14 volts. Good to go. Thanks for all of the input I had. This forum is awsome!!
