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#1
11-06-2006, 02:30 AM
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Alternator?
When driving with headlights on (1996 Century Special 3.1L) at certain speeds the lights will continuously flicker (headlights, dash lights, etc.) If I speed up past the certain speed - like 50mph, it stops. If I hold the speed, it keeps flickering. Could this be a rectifier (diodes) or Voltage Regulator in my alternator/generator going bad? My system voltage measures 14.5 volts after start and battery holds charge. I know alts cut on to regulate voltage more at certain RPM's, It is a 105 amp alt, and does seem to make a squealing noise when engine is at idle. I have been through every wire in the car - there are no shorts unless they are in side the transaxle housing.
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#2
11-06-2006, 10:16 AM
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Re: Alternator?
How many miles are on your Century and that alternator. Sounds like you found your problem to me.
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#3
11-06-2006, 01:14 PM
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Re: Alternator?
130k
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#4
11-06-2006, 01:56 PM
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Re: Alternator?
Go for the alternator. Probably not just a bad internal voltage regulator but bearings and stator/rotor. Good luck.
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#5
11-06-2006, 04:08 PM
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Re: Alternator?
how's the condition of the belt? maybe it's stretched/worn to the point that it's not being properly "tensioned"
having 14.5v seems to be working ok, but you can always goto an autozone or advance auto parts for an on-vehicle diagnosis of the alternator/battery/starter test for free right in the parking lot!!!
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#6
11-07-2006, 05:28 PM
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Re: Alternator?
Same thing happened to my dad's Dodge. The lights would flicker and act really wierd. Turned out the alternator wasn't putting out enough amps. Changed it and it was fine.
__________________
95 Plymouth Neon 2Door 2.0L SOHC 89 Buick Century Custom 3.3L ____________________________ What to see pics of my cars. Go to www.cardomain.com and look for musclecarfan6. Rate or leave comments if you want.
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#7
11-12-2006, 05:53 PM
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Re: Alternator?
First off, thanks for responding to my problem, guys. The belt is new, and I just replaced the tensioner a month ago. (it was in terrible shape - my buddy that owned the car before me treated it like s__t! Now that its in better hands, I am doing everything I can to transform it into a better car. I have the working repairs down (hopefully) to the alternator and the transaxle. The bearings in the alt. do seem to make a racket at idle speed. I am installing an ammeter soon since all I have is an 'idiot light'; hopefully I will know before my car stops on the street. I have decided to replace the alt. with a higher amp 140A version - hopefully I can buy it soon - will keep you updated as to whether or not it fixes the problem. Thanks again for the suggestions!
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