96 Rodeo lights dimming

[Tony H]

My wife's 96 Rodeo's lights dim whenever any electrical equipment is used such as the power windows, fan, turn signals, or whatever. Its like there isn't enough power to run everything, but it has a new battery. Any suggestions? Also, is there a company that makes a full grill guard for under $400?
Thanks

[Ramblin Fever]

I own the twin to that year, as the 96-97 yrs were the only 2yrs that had some mild and unusual changes to all the previous 1st generations.

Anyhow, mine has done this very same thing since the day I bought it new 9yrs ago; but my lights only dim when I power up one of my windows. The only time my lights have ever dimmed when anything else would come on was when my Alternator grew weak.

These trucks are set up to deliver the voltage where it needs it most at that moment in time; however, I believe, especially since you just put a new battery in, that your alternator's on it's last legs.

The bat and alternator generally go hand in hand on these rigs - at least in the 2 Rodeo automatic trucks that I've owned, whenever the one fails the other soon follows.

And, if you have an auto, the symptoms are much more pronounced, as that tranny is ran on very clear voltage.

Personally, have your alternator checked out "under load", if it's weakening, which sounds very much so, trust me do NOT go with just any aftermarket alternator - your truck will eat them alive, I went through 3 alternators in 3 months 2 summers ago.

Finally shelled the money out on a Bosch "hot" alternator, and it's been great. They also come with a 2yr warranty.

In regards to the grill guard, I have a Manik guard that I love the looks of, but, in all honesty, that's all it's meant for - just for looks. They're not as sturdy or protecting as people think - and if I could find a way to mount my fog lights without using my grill guard, I'd take it off.

[surferfletch]

I'd better get the number one recommended alt info now...

What did you put in, Ramblin', how much, from where?

Thanks. Yeah, too lazy to search right now.

[Ramblin Fever]

I actually purchased it through my mechanic, but I know you should be able to get it off an internet source, as I remember seeing others raving about it before mine crashed.

Don't know if it's the best alternator or not, but it works! It's a Bosch alternator, part# AL 4439X

$215 IIRC - not cheap, but considering I paid $145 for a reman. from Checker that only lasted a month, then took it back and got another (free exchange), and another time after that, I spent more time in sweat and knuckle scraping than if I had just paid the $200 to begin with.

Supposedly the ticket to this alternator is that it stays "hot" all the time - whatever that's supposed to mean for sure I don't know.

Granted I haven't tested it against mud or water, but as a casual everyday driver, with standard pulling amperage, it gets the job done.