200 amp alternator?
200 amp alternator? my headlights and dashlights are flickering. The car does have a system but the problem occurs whether it is on or not.
would the alternator be the problem? do you think I just need a new alternator or a 200 amp?
If you recommend a 200 amp, where do you get them and what else would I need? Prefer a direct bolt in.
Thanks
would the alternator be the problem? do you think I just need a new alternator or a 200 amp?
If you recommend a 200 amp, where do you get them and what else would I need? Prefer a direct bolt in.
Thanks
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
If you don't have at least 150 amps of electrical load, there's no point to a 200 amp alternator, as you'll never use the capacity. Why pay for something you don't use?
Alternators don't put out max current just because they are spinning. They put out current in response to demand, up to the max they are capable of under load.
Alternators don't put out max current just because they are spinning. They put out current in response to demand, up to the max they are capable of under load.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
From: Brownsville, texas
my headlights and dashlights are flickering. The car does have a system but the problem occurs whether it is on or not.
would the alternator be the problem? do you think I just need a new alternator or a 200 amp?
If you recommend a 200 amp, where do you get them and what else would I need? Prefer a direct bolt in.
Thanks
would the alternator be the problem? do you think I just need a new alternator or a 200 amp?
If you recommend a 200 amp, where do you get them and what else would I need? Prefer a direct bolt in.
Thanks
The flickering lights usually is indicative of the voltage regulator in the alternator not working correctly. Mine got so bad that the headlights and dash would actually strobe quickly. I replaced my alternator for a new one (not reman.) and it fixed the problem. By the way, if you take your car to autozone/oreilly's they will be able to see that the alternator is not putting out a constant voltage which would be the regulator going...
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
From: Brownsville, texas
The flickering lights usually is indicative of the voltage regulator in the alternator not working correctly. Mine got so bad that the headlights and dash would actually strobe quickly. I replaced my alternator for a new one (not reman.) and it fixed the problem. By the way, if you take your car to autozone/oreilly's they will be able to see that the alternator is not putting out a constant voltage which would be the regulator going...
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I had the same problem after a system install and some additional guage installs. I had the upgraded ground wire for the battery that you get with the racetronix hotwire kit. I installed the ground wire, believe it or not, no more flickering. It's cheap and maybe worth a try.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
My headlights do the same thing. I am stock as for as A/V goes. I am thinking that alt is dying.
Read my thread, tell me if it is the alt then?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...me-inside.html
Read my thread, tell me if it is the alt then?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...me-inside.html
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
My headlights do the same thing. I am stock as for as A/V goes. I am thinking that alt is dying.
Read my thread, tell me if it is the alt then?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...me-inside.html
Read my thread, tell me if it is the alt then?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...me-inside.html
Checking voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running tells you absolutely nothing about the battery condition because all you are seeing is alternator output. You should have the battery load tested to determine whether it has weak or shorted cells.
You've had this problem since May and you still haven't had the alternator tested? Most auto parts stores (AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc.) will test your alternator and battery for free. I suspect you'll find that the alternator is indeed the problem but it's better to spend a few minutes and find out for sure rather than guessing - especially since it won't cost anything to find out.
Checking voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running tells you absolutely nothing about the battery condition because all you are seeing is alternator output. You should have the battery load tested to determine whether it has weak or shorted cells.
Checking voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running tells you absolutely nothing about the battery condition because all you are seeing is alternator output. You should have the battery load tested to determine whether it has weak or shorted cells.
What aftermarker alt. should I go with?
TECH Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
The first thing to check with flickering lights is all of your alternator, battery and ground wires. Make sure they are tight and not corroded, etc. Only then should you move on to testing the alternator.
