2G Alternator Going Bad?

[fourgsixthree33]

Tonight on my way to bowling, I noticed my headlights flickering sort of like strobes. Real quick flashing. The lights don't comepletly go out or anything. Just flicker ever so slightly.

Then in between games, I went out for my cig breaks as usual. Sat in the car, turned it on, then noticed all my dash lights, gauges lights, head unit, etc were flickering as well.

Sounds like an alternator going bad. I have heard heat kill these things. I also had some lagging issues at slow speeds or up hills. Would a bad alternator contribute to this as well?

 

[fourgsixthree33]

Tonight on my way home from my grandmothers, the car really ran like shit. Probably the worst it ever has. The dash lights were dim, headlights were dim, etc. Then, the car had crazy missfire. At the same time that started, the Anti-Lock light on the dash came on. I really thought I wouldn't make it home. As I was about to go up a large hill (3 lane), I turned the headlights off as well as the heater. Car ran a alot better. Well, enough to make it up the hill and cancel out the crazy missfire.

Let me remind you, it was pitch black out. Up the hill, I could see the lines on the road just enough. Then I was able to catch up to a large truck and follow him. So I drove with no lights in the dark, but I made it home.

I am pretty damn sure I can now say the alternator is shot and be 110% confident. Also when I turned the headlights back on after having them off for awhile, the headlights and dash lights were ALOT brighter for about 30 seconds or so. Then they would eventually dim.

 

[99ILeclipse]

Im haveing the same problem, but my alternator has tested fine. My battery light comes on, the the lights get really dim, then the srs light then the car just shuts down. I cant figure out what is wrong. If you figure yours out let me know.

 

[fourgsixthree33]

Im haveing the same problem, but my alternator has tested fine. My battery light comes on, the the lights get really dim, then the srs light then the car just shuts down. I cant figure out what is wrong. If you figure yours out let me know.

I have heard from several people that have had bad alternators that have tested "good". So buying an new alternator would sometimes be the only way to see if it was the problem. I should be getting mine today or tomorrow.

 

[fourgsixthree33]

Update.
Got a new alternator tonight and wow...so much better. The most power it's ever had since I have bought the car. What a difference a new alternator makes.

 

[zanderson]

Altinator is a good place to start, it could also be a faulty ground.

 

[Sandman817]

get a digital multi meter, put it onto AC voltage, put a lead on the positive and one on the negative. You want to see less than half a volt AC. You will be seeing 1volt and higher and if its bad. Post back with your findings!

 

[Boug]

I have replaced every sensor on the car. The check engine light stays on. It runs very sluggish on the road. Spark plugs have been changed as well. When the car is initially started, it idles just fine right at 1150 RPM. Give it gas, and will settle right at 1150 RPM. After about five minutes, and still at idle, give it gas, and when it settles, it is at 900. Wait five minutes, still at idle, give it gas, settles at 700 RPM. When driving, and come to a stop, as RPM drop, it goes below 200 RPM and stalls. Could this be an alternator?

 

[fourgsixthree33]

Could be. I had this issue with my old Eclipse. Sounds like your alternator isnt putting out enough power. Try turning off your headlights and heater coming to a stop. If it doesn't stall, I would bet on an alternator.