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  #1  
Old 01-28-2013, 08:04 PM
92NJSVX 92NJSVX is offline
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Headlight issue

OK, I now have an issue when the headlights are on. While driving the car or at a stop the headlights now go brighter then dim. They do it several times. I have my meter plugged into the outlet and it flashes in the 14volt range when the light go brighter. It also makes the dash go brighter as well.

Anyone else have this issue?

Thanks,
Adam
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  #2  
Old 01-29-2013, 06:07 AM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

One of mine does this, to a degree. I can even hear the pitch of the climate control blower change in time to the blinking of the turn signals. Never had a problem with premature battery failure nor any other electrical issues, so I consider it another facet of old car character.


dcb
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  #3  
Old 01-29-2013, 06:22 AM
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Sean486 Sean486 is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

My headlights and dash lights did this for a few month on the '95 I used to own. One day the car broke down and the alternator needed to be replaced. After replacing the alternator the dimming surging of the lights went away. You may want to have your alternator tested.
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  #4  
Old 01-30-2013, 07:29 AM
92NJSVX 92NJSVX is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

This is killing me. I replaced the Alt twice already. The last one would not charge and if this one is going. AAARRRGGGG. Need to bite the bullet and just go for the upgraded Alt. I have the wires to do the wire upgrade. Just need the time to do it. Need to keep my baby running!
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  #5  
Old 01-30-2013, 09:08 AM
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dbarnblatt dbarnblatt is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

Maybe a ground or a short somewhere with the headlights or related circuits.

Do you have the problem with the headlights turned off?

Is the battery good?

Did you read the voltage output directly at the alternator? Also see if there is a voltage drop from the alt. to the battery.

Last edited by dbarnblatt; 01-30-2013 at 09:11 AM.
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  #6  
Old 01-30-2013, 01:31 PM
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icingdeath88 icingdeath88 is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by 92NJSVX View Post
This is killing me. I replaced the Alt twice already. The last one would not charge and if this one is going. AAARRRGGGG. Need to bite the bullet and just go for the upgraded Alt. I have the wires to do the wire upgrade. Just need the time to do it. Need to keep my baby running!
Where did you source the replacement alternators? A lot of alternator refurbs fail prematurely.
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  #7  
Old 01-31-2013, 08:23 AM
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Re: Headlight issue

WAAAAAY back there was a technical service bulletin on the 92's about re wiring some circuit just under the steering column to address this type of issue. I can't recall the details but it had something to do with lights dimming when full load was on the system. The dash etc would dim in sympathy with the wiper pulses. Just a thought.
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  #8  
Old 01-31-2013, 09:36 AM
dragoontwo dragoontwo is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by SVX_MY_BABY View Post
WAAAAAY back there was a technical service bulletin on the 92's about re wiring some circuit just under the steering column to address this type of issue. I can't recall the details but it had something to do with lights dimming when full load was on the system. The dash etc would dim in sympathy with the wiper pulses. Just a thought.
I would be quite interested in this.
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  #9  
Old 01-31-2013, 10:21 AM
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Re: Headlight issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by icingdeath88 View Post
A lot of alternator refurbs fail prematurely.
Except those from Maniac Electric Motors. Best in the business

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  #10  
Old 02-01-2013, 09:28 PM
92NJSVX 92NJSVX is offline
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Re: Headlight issue

I would like to know the circuit that needed to be replaced. If there is any info out that that anyone has. Please pass it this way.
The alt is a rebuild from Advanced Auto. Had one already go bad after 6 months. Maybe this one is just as bad.
The issue comes and goes. The funny thing is that its fine in the morning. Only seams bad when I go home. Its only noticeable when the headlights are on. They will pulsate. As the lights are on they will brighten then go back to normal.
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