Starting to hate this car

[Mr. Luos]

I hate my Grand Am anymore.

Anytime I hit the brakes the power dims out. Lights flash very quickly, radio cuts out quickly.
All comes back on right away, but the dimming is odd.
Battery is new, thinking alternator isn't giving a full charge anymore.

Thing is...I can turn on the A/C and it doesn't flicker.
Ideas??
Think I am right with the alternator??

[xeroinfinity]

this is typical with GA's.

I'd get that alternator tested at an auto parts store just to make sure.

My SE doesnt do it anymore,
I put on a 120amp alternator(105 stock).

The GT does it though only when the cd players blasting and I hav the headlights on.

You headlights and tails drw more current(amps) then the AC.

[Mr. Luos]

I need to do such.
Having my girl price out an alternator for me.

Problem is...this juts became a problem. Never had an issue before. So...
Checked belt tension and belt, both are up to par.

[xeroinfinity]

Well I'd assume its been getting cold at night out there in Colorado, thats probly whats bringing it on all the sudden.

I hav been busssy as hell with shit like this for the past couple weeks. .... Oh , And cooling system flushes

[Mr. Luos]

Chilly, but not cold yet.
It does it when it is 80 out though too.

[Tonyr]

My 2000 SE was doing the same thing. Hit or tap the brakes and the lights would do a quick dim. I had a new battery and alternator. Turned out to be a slightly loose battery terminal connection.

[xeroinfinity]

definatly make sure the terminals are clean and tight.

[grfnkl]

Originally Posted by Tonyr

My 2000 SE was doing the same thing. Hit or tap the brakes and the lights would do a quick dim. I had a new battery and alternator. Turned out to be a slightly loose battery terminal connection.

I had the same problem too, it turned out to be the battery cables not making proper connection.

[boug0752]

Originally Posted by grfnkl

I had the same problem too, it turned out to be the battery cables not making proper connection.

It is a very common issue on the Grand Ams to have a loose battery connection if you add any other things to the actual bolt. They do not fit very well with added accessories (i.e. Stereo, Underglows, Lights, etc.)

[skibum1111]

Check your grounds as well. I was helping a friend with a dodge colt, couldn't figure out why sparks kept coming off the throttle cable. Turned out to be a bad ground right from the battery. Car ran fine, just occasionally had dim lights. Could have gotten scary as it could have welded the throttle cable to the housing.

[Mr. Luos]

Gonna pull it in tomorrow and clean up the connections.
My girlfriend can get a GM alternator for $175.

When you lock the doors using the keyfob...the horn BARELY sounds.

[grfnkl]

Yep that sounds about right. At least you are getting a faint beep, I didn't even get that much, just a click. I thought my connections were good, but apparently i was wrong. When i brought it to my mechanic he ended up taking off the rubber "rings" arounds around the connections to make it connect properly adn i think he added a washer.

I can tell you this much i had the same thing with the lights dimming and radio cutting out. It actually got to the point were the car wouldn't start even when I had power to the accessories, it would just act like it was dead or the car would completely reset itself while driving, (everything off then back on) Good luck tomorrow, let us know what happens

[Mr. Luos]

Will do.
Thanks!

[xeroinfinity]

Mr Luos, If it wasnt cold the other day, It sure the f*** was this morning !!!!
I was in Denver around 9:30am (at the airport) today I didnt even hav a jacket, it was COLD !

[Mr. Luos]

Yeah...getting chilly now.
Car stills starts no problem.

Haven't cleaned up the connections...as I have been very lazy. Probably this weekend.