Lights Pulsating...? Not sure why...

[4G63dsmpwr]

Well guys I recently picked up a 1990 Talon TSi AWD, and I've started going through it and taking care of all its problems.

One of the problems I've noticed, is that the headlights, and all the interior lights constantly pulsate whenever the throttle is pressed. At an idle, there is no pulsating. As soon as you press the gas, it starts.

The alternator is brand new so thats not the problem... There are two things which I'm unsure about though: The battery looks like it might be a bit smaller than on other DSMs, and secondly there was a TON of corrosion on both of the termianls, I mean A TON, I'm not sure if that just happens... (I'm in New England).

I've seen this problem on another DSM locally while driving, so I didn't know if it was a common problem. Thanks very much for any help.

 

[Defiant]

Clean the terminals, coat them with vaseline. Next, check your grounds and connections at the alternator.

 

[4G63dsmpwr]

I actually bought a wire brush, cleaned the terminals - and I just picked some stuff from Autozone thats for terminals and stuff. I'm going to apply it to the battery terminals, anywhere else I should apply this stuff?

I will let you know if this helps the problem at all.

P.S. I'm not sure if this will help anyone diagnose my problem, but I've lost alternators/batteries before, and when you get really low on voltage , the car starts to misfire, wants to stall, etc. - I don't have any problems like this, performance is fine, wipers are fast, radio is fine - its just the voltage.

Is there any type of regulator or something?

 

[boostmaster123]

well noticing that you mentioned the name Autozone as one of the places you went for parts i couldnt help but reply. if you got your alternator from there too then that is your problem. i ended up getting 4 different alternators from them(each going for different reasons) then my last one had the same problem your having and as soon as i replaced it with a stock one from the junk yard my problem was solved. either way, i found that by replacing the alternator it got rid of my problem

I hope this helps

 

[4G63dsmpwr]

Thanks very much for the suggestion.

The guy who I bought the car off of was a friend, and he took it right to a Mitsubishi dealership, and had an OEM installed.

This was less that 6 months ago, do you think there might be some sort of warranty or no? the car isn't modded much at all currently.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[boostmaster123]

hmmm im not sure about the warranty but alternators are supposed to last much longer than 6 months. I would take it to them and see what they say. Without some kind of reciept i think your chances are pretty slim but its definately worth a try. All i know is that my problem was exactly how your describing it (headlights pulsing, gauge faces, interior lights, etc...) and after i swapped out my alternator it fixed the problem.
everything is located inside the alternator (voltage regulator, diodes) so unless you have a loose wire somewhere i think you have a faulty alternator and i would definately try to get a new one under warranty.

 

[BUCK]

Be sure you have no Power Steering Fluid leaks (drips on Alternator) very common & that will kill it quick.

& Congrats on your new ride...

 

[boostmaster123]

yeah definately...hot fluids will kill any electrical component quickly so check for any kind of leaks near the alternator. Also if you have any kind of aftermarket exhaust that comes near your alternator i would highly recommend some exhaust wrap around that area on the exhaust. ive had a couple diodes burn out cuz they are so close to my exhaust causing a mean short.

 

[4G63dsmpwr]

Good news: My buddy (who I purchased the car from) has the receipt! The alternator was installed about 4 months ago. I'm going to try to get them to replace it, I will let everyone know how I make out.

I have checked for power steering leaks, and I haven't found any at all. Unfortunately, I'm STUCK using the stock downpipe for now, so I don't think that is my problem.

BUCK: Thanks for the congrats about the new car! It looks exactly the same as your car next to your username! Same color and everything

Well thanks again everyone, I'm going to try to get Mitsubishi to warranty it, if not I'll drop another one in. THANKS for the help!

 

[BUCK]

I just had my Bumper to Bumper guy look up the Highest Amp Mitsu Alternator that would fit - It was about $150.00

max amperage 121 amps

- 100 amps at 3000rpm

max 1548 watts

Manufacturer Ampere - p/n 21491