Mohammed_z

I don't see other problems in the car , but the flickering itself is annoying if I think about it, or just keep looking at the dash playing with idle to see if it's gone or not.

What are possible things that cause this flickering ?

eaglevision993

Hi,
I had a similar problem that was caused by a the wire going to the positive battery connector.

But the most common cause is the voltage regualtor in the alternator. I replaced the battery and alternator just to find out that my problem was only a loose connection so check the easy and cheap stuff first.

Does it only flicker with the engine running?

Best regards
Benjamin

Mohammed_z

Yes , only when the engine running. I hope it just a cheap fix !!

mrmtrtrnd

My dash lights flicker just a little and have from the day I bought the car. I agree with 993 that the most common problem is the regulator but not the only cause. I don't know what parts cost there but if it is the alternator it shouldn't cost to much. Hope it is a easy and cheap fix.
Forgot to add if it is the regulator inside the alternator you can buy that part and change it your self without buying the entire alternator.

eaglevision993

Could also be a loose ground somewhere, but have the alternator and battery checked out.
A weak battery may also cause this.

Mohammed_z

That's a good idea , I will try to search for the regulator. Thanks



I will test them both , but does a bad regulator drains the battery ? Because I dont feel the battery is weak !

DinoBob

Please check the terminal block behind the battery, where all the hot feeds are connected. Mine was in need of replacement. Gladi caught it. Could easily have led to a fire. Same symptoms.

Mohammed_z

I don't know which terminal you're talking about , do you mean the small fuse box ?

Mohammed_z

Is it ok if I installed a higher amp alternator ?

Mohammed_z

UPDATE


I removed the alternator , replaced the voltage regulator and the laminated core.

Started the car and the flickering is still there. I think I just wasted some money and I should replace the rectifier now , if i'm not mistaken !!!! , I'm an electrician I know the rectifier has diodes and I didn't have a multimeter to check it , took it to a car electrician and after a while he told me it's fine. It doesn't need to be replaced !!



voltage regulator




core





This is a pic of a rectifier , but it's for another car (just to show how it looks) it's almost the same.

DinoBob

Did you check the terminal block?

DinoBob

Check behind the battery for it. It is almost right up against the firewall. All the hot feeds run to it.

Mohammed_z

There is a small fuse box there !! Do I need to remove the battery to see this terminal block ?? Can you show me a pic of that ?

mrmtrtrnd

Sorry my bad in my first post I should have added start with connections first then move to the regulator. While the regulator is a common problem so are faulty connections like bad grounds. They are the source of many electrical problems in these cars. I'm trying to trace down a problem in my car and in doing so have found corroded connections and some corroded fuses like I've never seen before. These weren't my problem but would have caused issues in the future.

Mohammed_z

Are you having the same issue ?

I'm trying to figure out the terminal that DinoBob mentioned but I'll have some time next weekend so I change the rectifier and search for this terminal.

mrmtrtrnd

No I'm having a completely different problem on my car. The engine runs good but intermittently dies. It's been a real pain to find the problem but I think I'm closing in on it.