Flickering Dash Lights

[Vanbursta]

When I have the headlights on, my Gals dash lights are flickering badly at idle, doesn't happen unless the lights are on and I think it might be a bad earth (or could be the alternator), has anyone else come across this and were should I start?

[mumof4]

If it were me i would be checking the voltage on the battery to make sure it is at the right whatever is it..(sorry..cant think of the word..output???)..not entirely sure if you can check the alt aswell...may be a bad earth but i dont know about checking earths.

 

Start simple then work up..check battery then scream for help...thats what i would do. ;) ;)

[soptom]

I'd be inclined to check the brightness adjustment wheel.

[mumof4]

i forgot about that. ;)

[Vince]

If it's the alternator and/or it's wiring, it will probably get worse if the window heaters are on, and you might notice the headlight bulbs flickering as well.

 

It might be worth checking for voltage differences between the alternator and the battery terminals. If the wiring is faulty then you will see a voltage difference between + on the battery and + on the alternator, same for earth and -

 

Vince.

[wood73]

If it were me i would be checking the voltage on the battery to make sure it is at the right whatever is it..(sorry..cant think of the word..output???)..not entirely sure if you can check the alt aswell...may be a bad earth but i dont know about checking earths.

 

Start simple then work up..check battery then scream for help...thats what i would do. :D :D

if you can get hold of a multimeter check battery output with engine off, should 12-13v.

with engine running should be 14+volts, turn on all lights and electrical equipment and check voltage should still be 14+volts, if it drops below 12 then the alternator's at fault, if it goes over 15v then regulator's the problem but you would probably have to change the alternator.

hope this helps

[Vince]

Faulty alternator wiring can give the same results as a faulty alternator under the above tests.

 

To differentiate, put the meter on the alternator connection directly if you can.

 

Vince.