99z28Kev

Hey maybe someone here can answer my question i couldnt find an answer anywhere. When i floor it the dash lights dim a bit and once in awhile the radio will cut in and out. Is this normal for a 99 camaro?

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

That's just the LS1 sucking power from everything nearby like an alien spacecraft


I'd check for a loose battery terminal. See if you can wiggle them with your hands.
I had a ground post that was borderline stripped that would give me the same symptoms.

99z28Kev

You sure its not just me accelerating faster than the speed of light causing it to dim?
Haha Ill check it out thanks.

bryan00ssm6

iTrader: (1)

I had the same issue when my battery was on its way out. Optima ftw

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

Yeah, I did too. +1 for the Optima

99z28Kev

I had the battery checked at autozone a few weeks ago they told me its all good. Terminals seem ok

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

have you checked the alternator, belt tensioner and serpentine belt, under heavy acceleration you may be getting slippage on the belt thereby losing alternator output.

99z28Kev

I read that if a belt is loose like that itd squeek pretty bad is that true? And no havent checked alternator. Everything stays charged fine so how could that be the alternator?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

from my understanding an alternator with a single bad diode on the rectifier could put out enough power to run the car unless it was under heavy load, like AC on or Heavy acceleration, things like that that cause large power draws. in a case like this the alternator testers used by parts stores are so good at reading this level of output, or so is my understanding.

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

mine does the same thing.. even at night the headlights will dim badly.. brand new belts, tensioners and battery...

I do have a bigger amp alternator sitting in my room so maybe that will cure it.

99z28Kev

Now that you mention it the ac isnt all that cold... and i recently had the power steering pump go out and give the alternator a nice shower. So the bad alternator could cause the dim lights and ac issue? And if so, gotta get a brand new one or fixable?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

an alternator can be rebuilt, however the design of the stock alt on a LS1 requires the use of a 200-watt or higher soldering iron and between that and the parts kit to rebuild you're better off buying new.

the AC coldness wouldn't be a sign, what I was talking about is you would see the lights dim and the volt meter drop more then .5-1 volts when turning the AC on, you might also notice as you accelerate the AC doesn't blow air as hard out the vents, coldness usually has to do with refrigerant level in the AC system.

BEAns_99

Same problem here! Was not doing that until i put in a 4000 converter my alt is new only like 4 months old also
Also i have no Ac...its bypased

BEAns_99

No fix yet?

RJDio

I have an aftermarket stereo w/ amp and sometimes when I launch hard the stereo goes out for a second, then comes back on. I have a new yellow top Optima. Since I have an reduced underdrive pulley, I bought a Power Bastards alternator but haven't installed yet, I hope it fixes it.

BEAns_99

Im having the same problem but no amp in mine...how much for the new alter?

RJDio

I believe the Power bastards alternator was about $350 but I can't find the receipt in a folder full of them. figures. I was also advised to replace the plug too, so I bought a new one and will connect it during installation

SSkull

iTrader: (3)

I had the same problem with my old SS. Would dim slightly on the interior lights/gauges, and headlights as well. Just a bit, but enough to notice. Noticed it when I was heading out one night, and floored it hopping on the freeway. Actually stopped once I installed an HID kit. No dimming whatsoever after that.