Voltage Fluctuating And Headlights Pulsating

[lineskee 33]

Hi all,

Im having an issue with my car at the moment and i dont know much about car electrics so im a little stumped. When i start the car at night all the lights and everything seems to pulsate. it doesnt sit on a constant 14v, it jumps back and forth between 13 and 14 volts. I can also hear it affect the fuel pump aswell. I only mainly notice it because the headlights constantly go dim and bright. Is there something like a voltage regulator or something like that that could be stuffed? if so where could it be and what can i do to fix this?

I would be forever greatful if i can get some answers.

Thanks

[GeeTR]

Multimeter + Battery while running will tell you if your alternator / regulator is playing up.

Workshop manaul

Edited March 5, 2008 by GeeTR

[lineskee 33]

cheers mate. im pretty sure its not the alternator. im leaning more towards the regulator. thing is i know what a alternator is and where its located and what it does. but haha i dont know where the regulator is. any help there?

[r33cruiser]

it sounds like the alternator is failing to charge the battery.

flickering lights that pulsate brighter with hi revvs is a key sign.

get a pro to look over it. odds are its the alternator or battery

[lineskee 33]

hmm. well it really pulsates when the car is idling. but i have noticed sometimes when i get it to near redline the battery light lets off a bit of a flicker on occasions.

I bought a brand new battery a few months ago, and i spent a fair bit on it. and it was happening before i got the battery. so im ruling that out at the moment. Or I should just say it better not be the battery or else.

[blind_elk]

cheers mate. im pretty sure its not the alternator. im leaning more towards the regulator. thing is i know what a alternator is and where its located and what it does. but haha i dont know where the regulator is. any help there?

The regulator is built into the alternator. If it's suddenly dropping and rising, then I'd suggest the regulator is on its way out.

Get a sparkie to check out the alternator.

[stenve]

i have a similar problem too

i have a switch on my dash that when it is turned on lights up, when i rev it a bit this light dims then comes back bright when i stop the revving.

also as the fuel pump primes (bosch 040, direct wire) it doesnt sound quite right or as loud as it used to. sometimes it take the car quite a while to turn over while cranking it. its a bit anoying and worrying

could this be the same problem? alternator playing up?

guess i'll get someone to look at it

Edited March 7, 2008 by stenve

[Jmaac]

Could possibly be an earth or a mismatch b/n battery & alternator size. Most regulators actually sit on the back of the alternator (its that black plastic box) but this depends on the type i.e. hitachi, bosch etc.