Odd, Odd Dash/Electrical Problem

[lpradiohead]

Hello,
I have a pretty odd electrical problem in my 99 Saturn SC1. When the car is in drive and I apply the brakes, the dash lights/interior lights will dim until the gas pedal is depressed. Then, they return to full brightness. Also, whenever I press the brake to slow down, the light system will sort of wink; that is, very, very briefly flash and immediately return to full brightness. This problem does not occur unless the vehicle is in drive (although, when the brake is depressed in park, it still does wink). I simply cannot figure the problem out. Any help would be more than appreciated.

[carguy83]

very simple... you're not getting enough amperage. do you have a sound system installed? how old is your alternator? just some things to think about. and the reason it doesnt happen unless its in drive is because in drive more stuff is being used. hope this helps.

[lpradiohead]

Thanks for your input. My alternator looks to be as old as the car (a 99). I just had a new battery put on a couple months ago and the place said the alternator was fine. I do not have any extra electrical stuff hooked up. However, I did buy the car used and there is a little red light next to my shifter that comes on whenever I turn on my dash/headlights. It is not a security system and nobody at the dealership could tell me what it was hooked up to or what it was for. I know, though, that it is not standard on the SC1.

[carguy83]

i doubt it has anything to do with the electrical problem. but it would be interesting to know where it went to or came from. i'm sure its hooked up to the headlights or dash in some way because its getting its power then. i would say try revving your engine WHILE on the brake in drive... do it once and see if the lights come back to regular power. it just means that you might be idling low. my car does it sometimes as well but i have so much extra stuff hooked up its just bound to happen.

also notice that when you apply the brake and it blinks very quickly that your RPM's are falling then go back up to downshift which makes the alternator spin faster to produce more amperage.

just food for thought