Lights dimming...

JohnnyC · Post by **JohnnyC** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:48 pm

I've noticed that my lights have been dimming when idling (not when putting some throttle to it) and occasionally the alternator belt will start squeaking in wet weather when I turn on the lights and the defroster and then start driving. Is this a ground wire issue or do you think my alternator is going bad?

Audacity Racing · Post by **Audacity Racing** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:50 pm

How's the tension in the belt?

JohnnyC · Post by **JohnnyC** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:51 pm

Seems like it's tight enough. I can re-tension it tonight, but when I've felt it, it's felt very tight.

JohnnyC · Post by **JohnnyC** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:10 am

The dimming is not absolutely related to the squeaky belt. The dimming has been there for a little while, but seems a little worse these days where as the belt squeak is intermittent depending on the weather.

Slammed · Post by **Slammed** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:23 am

Have your alternator tested and I would follow with a test of the voltage regulator ( I think its built in to the alternator)

JohnnyC · Post by **JohnnyC** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:34 am

Damn... Alternators are expensive.

GsiTurbo · Post by **GsiTurbo** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:16 am

In my Lemans 1.6, same problem was experienced for 6 months before it alternator died. But before running to conclusions, check power output connector (single thick wire, red) at the back of the alternator (it runs to starter, and then to the battery - at least in my car). Also check ground to the motor, and from the battery to the chassis.

lanowoo · Post by **lanowoo** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:19 am

JohnnyC wrote:The dimming is not absolutely related to the squeaky belt. The dimming has been there for a little while, but seems a little worse these days where as the belt squeak is intermittent depending on the weather.

I ahve been having the same problem, but the faster i go, the faster the "dimming occurs"

Spider · Post by **Spider** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:40 am

Have you checked the voltage at your battery ? with a digital multi-meter set @ 20vdc you wanna see around 13.5 (or more is better) volts pumping into the battery while your engine is at a fast idle. If you have to take the rpm's way up (like 4k-plus) to get those figures ? your charging system is suspect.

Yeah they cost a lot. I was thinking of having mine rebuilt ?