Night is when I notice I have the issue because that is when my lights are on. If I am jsut idling, lights dim. All lights, headlights, dash lights, and sometimes my cd deck will shut off. When I step on the throttle, even jsut a bit, everything gets brighter. Also happens when I step on the brake and the brake lights come on. Seems that there is jsut enough power when idling, but while in motion, im good.

The battery has died before because of a faulty fan switch. Actually several times. I think its the alternator though, because when I get on the gas, the issue clears up. Any input?

 

sounds like the alternater, check the voltage on battery etc... just to narrow it down to be sure.

 

sounds like your alternator is going south! go have it tested!

 

i've had this problem ever since i can remember. it doesnt dim enough for nething to shut off but when im just sittin there and the rpms are at idle just my headlights dim. nothin else. but when i hit the gas the brighten up. ive never had the problem of nething ever shutting off not the car ever not starting. but as for u with stuff cutting off it sounds like ur alternator.

 

Yeah, what happened to me last week actually, was driving and my dash lights went dim, this was at about 3.5-4rpm and then it lit back up again, so i didnt think to much of it, but then again on the way home, they went real dim again. It started to rain a bit, so i just pulled down on my wiper blade handle once, but my blades draged across my windsheild. I got home popped my hood, looked for any arching loose wires or anything, checked my alternator belt, they both cheched out fine, the next morning when i went to go to work, i auto started my car, when i went to get in, i noticed my battery light was, having just replaced my battery, knew it had to be my alternator, well i was still planning on dricving to work, but car wouldnt allow me to do so, my car pretty much shut off going about 70mph on the freeway, kind of scary, but was able to get off and get it towed and fixed the same day. Anyways, get it checked out, alternators usually go out around this season because its so cold, and everyone has a lot of accesories on, i.e rear window defroster, heat, windshild wipers etc. Anyways, hope it works out.

 

By the way, your alternator doesnt start working til about 1000rpm, so when you idle, its common to have your lights dim.

 

simple test unplug the positive cable from batter while car is running....

if car dies its your alternator....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mr.beeks &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">simple test unplug the positive cable from batter while car is running....

if car dies its your alternator....</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by iTR2The3rdGen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">By the way, your alternator doesnt start working til about 1000rpm, so when you idle, its common to have your lights dim.</TD></TR></TABLE>
that doesn't sound right. if your car doesnt use the alternator when idling, then it must be running off the battery. how long can a car idle before the battery dies? im pretty sure the car should use the alternator as long as its running.

 

same thing happened to me... replaced the battery and i was all good.

 

Take the battery to a auto parts store and have it tested. But it does sound like the alternator is on it's last leg.

 

Sounds like its your alternator. Take it to a shop where they can check if the alternator is charging your battery the way its suppose to.

 

alternater, that happened to me too.

 

check both

 

my head lights come on, and dome lite is dim. when i turn the key its goes click click clik..wont start, till i jump it

 

Ok dont diconect your battery while you car is running that could mess some stuff up in some cases like burning up a diode that is in your alternator. it probobly is you alternator, you have a three phase alternator and one of the phases probobly just went out. Advanced Auto part will chek it for free.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mr.beeks &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">simple test unplug the positive cable from batter while car is running....

if car dies its your alternator....

</TD></TR></TABLE>

<U>Do not!</U> This method is ok on older cars without ecu's and all the electronic crap we get now. Do a charge test, or have one done, seeing as you seem to be able to have them done free in the US.