Dash Lights Dimming

Discussion in 'Technical' started by theref, Jul 1, 2010.

  1. theref

    theref Member

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    I noticed the dash lights dim when I slow down and brighten back up when I speed up. Any ideas as to what causes this?
     
    theref, Jul 1, 2010
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  2. yellow75

    yellow75 MCCI Oregon State Rep Supporting Member

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    Alternator not putting out as much voltage at lower rpms, voltage regulator possible going bad
     
    yellow75, Jul 1, 2010
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  3. theref

    theref Member

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    I'm far from a mechanic. I can do little things, like change things out like that, but I don't know alot about them. If it does go bad, what can happen?
     
    theref, Jul 1, 2010
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  4. yellow75

    yellow75 MCCI Oregon State Rep Supporting Member

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    If alternator goes bad it will fail to charge battery and at some point car will fail to start due to dead battery, same thing will happen if regulator goes out, it will not let enough charge get to battery to charge it or on rare occasions it will let too much charge go to battery and slowly cook it.

    You probably notice the lights dim even more when you have the heater motor turned on and stereo or radio

    You problem is commom with Mavericks, a lot of the auto part stores will check your charging system for free
     
    yellow75, Jul 2, 2010
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  5. Earl Branham

    Earl Branham Certified Old Fart

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    Probably a bad ground somewhere. Go to Advance, AutoZone, etc. and they will check the battery and alternator out for free. If you know those two are ok, you can start to troubleshoot from there.
     
    Earl Branham, Jul 2, 2010
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  6. theref

    theref Member

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    I know the battery is ok. It's brand new. Just put it in when I bought it two weeks ago. Thanks. Probably will go to one of them and have them check it out. Can they check the volt. reg OFF of the vehicle?
     
    theref, Jul 2, 2010
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  7. Earl Branham

    Earl Branham Certified Old Fart

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    Don't know about that. But, if you have any suspicions about the regulator, just replace it. They are cheap, and be sure to get the electronic regulator. Lot less sensitive to heat, and more durable. Good luck!
     
    Earl Branham, Jul 2, 2010
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