flickering headlights,dash lights
miketo
12-30-2015, 11:16 AM
05 gmc jimmy head and dash lights flickering, battery is about 3 years old and the altinator new this summer. the flicker is quite rapid.
aleekat
12-30-2015, 12:02 PM
I would be looking at bad battery cables, grounds, dirty, corroded, not tight, etc..
Blue Bowtie
12-31-2015, 08:13 AM
Good advice. Also check the alternator connections, including grounding through the mounting bracket.
I am going to wager that the flickering only occurs while the engine is running, and at about a 30 Hz. rate. It you're not looking closely you might not even notice the flickering. Is that correct?
I have seen this in a couple of instances, and using an analog voltmeter the voltage fluctuation can actually be observed. There is a chance that the alternator regulator is in oscillation which can be caused by poor connection of the E terminal, field terminals, or a failing rectifier in the alternator bridge. There is also a chance that the alternator brushes and slip rings are sticking or not seating well.
I am going to wager that the flickering only occurs while the engine is running, and at about a 30 Hz. rate. It you're not looking closely you might not even notice the flickering. Is that correct?
I have seen this in a couple of instances, and using an analog voltmeter the voltage fluctuation can actually be observed. There is a chance that the alternator regulator is in oscillation which can be caused by poor connection of the E terminal, field terminals, or a failing rectifier in the alternator bridge. There is also a chance that the alternator brushes and slip rings are sticking or not seating well.
miketo
12-31-2015, 11:05 AM
thanks guys, apart from the battery and alternator, where else should I look for grounding.
old_master
01-16-2016, 03:50 PM
If you haven't found the problem yet, there is a GM TSB that addresses this issue and takes care of the problem. Very easy fix and cost is under $10. A few posts down in this link, is a copy of the TSB:
http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=131131.0;wap2 Connecting the new voltage sense wire to the underhood fuse panel, instead of the rear of the alternator, will give far better results, and brighter headlights ;)
I would suggest a boneyard for the alternator connector, they usually only charge a couple of bucks for it.
http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=131131.0;wap2 Connecting the new voltage sense wire to the underhood fuse panel, instead of the rear of the alternator, will give far better results, and brighter headlights ;)
I would suggest a boneyard for the alternator connector, they usually only charge a couple of bucks for it.
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