Constant flashing of headlights/dash lights during acceleration/warmup

[mans1ay3r]

I noticed a couple weeks ago when I'd start my 97 gsx, the headlights and dash lights would flash as the engine is warming up. Then eventually it would stop. However, it does this everytime I warm up the car.

Tonight I noticed headlights and dash were flashing rapidly in sync when I was on the highway doing over 80. When in a residential area doing 30, it wasnt flashing during acceleration. I tried searching and saw it could be the alternator? I just had a new alternator installed in August though. Are there other reasons for this?

Just to be more detailed about the flashing, they dont flash completely on and off. Its more like the lights being on then dimming continiously during acceleration or warm up.

Thanks.

[No_Skillz]

Check the connections on your battery. It might do this if they are corroded/conducting poorly.

[blackGSX2g]

Also make sure your positive terminal isn't grounding out on the hood or a strut tower bar.

[mans1ay3r]

I'll check those out. Thank you.

[wishnfor4g63T]

i just recently started having the same problem. my alternator has recently been replaced and my terminals corrod often. both posi and neg. i have a small amp but other then that pretty stock. i drive a 99 eclpse gsx and fmic,bov,k&n filter, hks exhaust are the Only mods. did you get the problem fixed mans1ay3r? if so explain. i've put a small amount of grease around my terminals, my dad being a v8 junkie says this will help it from not corroding. if anyone has any tips or jus replace the battery please help me asap :-)

[gsx951]

Bad diode in the alternator.....
Output from your alternator is 3 phase AC. A bad diode results in loss of a "leg".
Instead of rectified DC, you end up with pulsed DC and flashing lights.

http://www.1stconnect.com/anozira/Si...alternator.htm

[wishnfor4g63T]

okay, so i read most of what that page had said and then i realized i don't need to get in their an try to fix any of that when i could jus take the alternator back and get it replaced. it does it's job just the lights flicker and that's it. the motor runs fine. something you never stated in your reply was an end idea as to what i'm do to. so if i need to jus run a wire or something then i'm all for it but if i gotta replace it then i need to know asap. this is my only car and i gotta have it for work so yeah, i'm running it as is heh. thanks anyhow it made sense but not enough so that i know what to do atm.

[gsx951]

I ran my old 1G for over a year like that but you probably want to look at replacing your alternantor. Take it to any of the national chain auto parts stores and get them to test it.

The downside is, reman alternators never seem to hold up like the original equipment parts.
You can lurk here and on Ebay for used alternaors too.
Being an old DSM'er, I actually keep a spare on the shelf!

[wishnfor4g63T]

thanks for the quick post man, i just bought the altinator for advance auto like not even a week ago and it didn't do that the first week, but the 2nd yea. the funny thing was when my old altinator was goin out. my battery light and my brake lights would come on and the lights would just dim. about 4-5 weeks of that one night...funny story short a drunk monopoly hunt at 2 am led to a dead car that couldn't drive with the head lights on lol. crazy but i limped the car like 50+ miles all the way back to my house during daylight and did the switch. so i'll be stopping by advance auto and telling them to hook me up right....if it's any added info i think this altinator is brand new. but yea i'll definitly be telling them to check it out. Thanks again for the quick reply this is the first problem i've actually had to jump on dsmtuners for help!

[luvmygst]

+1 for the alternator. I had the same problem with an alternator from advance. 4 alternators later it seems to be fixed. The first 3 lasted less than a week a piece.