 Lights dimming when cruising |
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| SUNAB914 |
 Mar 30 2009, 12:22 PM
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#1
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Senior Member  Group: Members Posts: 698 Joined: 29-December 08 From: Fredericksburg VA Member No.: 9,880 Region Association: South East States  |
I'm sure someone has had this happen. When cruising to work in the early morning I can tell my lights (headlights and corner lights) kinda pulse dim and bright. The generator light isn't affected, and I don't have a center console with gauge so I can't tell what volts I have. If someone has had this experience let me know what the outcome was. It's a 75 2.0
Thanks Chris |
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Replies(1 - 5)
| dbgriffith75 |
Mar 30 2009, 03:58 PM
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#2
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TheGrif Group: Members Posts: 509 Joined: 25-July 07 From: Iowa, USA Member No.: 7,945 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
It sounds like an alternator problem to me. You say your indicator light isn't affected, but the only reason they wouldn't be maintaining brightness is if they're not getting the proper voltage.
Now, it could be that a connection is coming loose; could be a bad ground; it might even be your voltage regulator going bad. Doesn't matter- it's alternator related. Start by either testing the alternator yourself or having it done. If that's not the problem, check the regulator (which I don't know how to do) or just replace it. If that still doesn't fix it, start chasing wires, checking ground points, etc. And most importantly keep us updated- we can't help you unless you tell us what's going on. |
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| dr914@autoatlanta.com |
Mar 30 2009, 04:10 PM
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#3
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 8,185 Joined: 3-January 07 From: atlanta georgia Member No.: 7,418 Region Association: None |
db hit it on the money. If the belt is tight the voltage regulator is bad. make sure you watch the battery area. Could be having an acid spill from the overcharging. Baking soda and water will tell.
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| Nor.Cal.914 |
Mar 30 2009, 04:15 PM
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#4
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1975 914 3.0SC Group: Members Posts: 1,062 Joined: 28-January 05 From: Weatherford, TX Member No.: 3,523 Region Association: None |
I've had this happen to me before (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) My alternator quit on me while I was cruising and my headlights started dimming. My volt gauge was working though and I could watch as the volts steadily dropped down to nothing and then the car died from lack of spark. I replaced my voltage regulator and alternator and it's been running great ever since! Thanks
-Chris |
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| benalishhero |
Mar 30 2009, 04:31 PM
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#5
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Member Group: Members Posts: 313 Joined: 28-November 07 From: Portland, Maine Member No.: 8,384 Region Association: North East States |
Yep voltage regulator.
Had it happen to me last summer. Luckly I had a spare volvo one on hand to keep driving that day. edit:Come to think of it I've had the nut holding the lead to the alt. back-off You might try there too. |
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| SUNAB914 |
Mar 31 2009, 09:06 AM
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#6
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 698 Joined: 29-December 08 From: Fredericksburg VA Member No.: 9,880 Region Association: South East States |
Thanks for the replies gents, I have a new voltage regulator so I will start there, if not, I plan on starting a new resto with this car so the engine will be coming out soon anyway. I'll let you know.
Chris |
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