billscamaros

iTrader: (1)

'99 Z28 M6 w/ 193K miles

As I sat waiting for a red light this morning, I noticed that my headlights were flickering. The voltage gauge indicator fluctuated between approx 12.5v and 14+v. It seemed to "pulse", in that it was fine for 30 or 40 seconds, dropped down to the lower voltage, and then returned to normal.

The battery is brand new. The alternator has been replaced, although at probably <100K miles.

Does this sound like a voltage regulator problem, or an alternator problem? Or could it be something as simple as a loose battery cable? I'm just curious as to where to start diagnosing the problem.

If it seems like a voltage regulator issue, then my next question is "where is that located?"

Thanks in advance.

Bill

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

I had something similar going on randomly. When I replaced the alternator it fixed it. I don't know if the regulator is a separate piece or part of the alternator.

fleetmgr

The regulator is part of the alt, and the regulator is bad.

billscamaros

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys. I'll pick up a new alternator on the way home from work.

fleetmgr

Make whoever you get it from show you that the new one is good on their testing machine before you leave the store.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

If you start to have repeat issues with the alternator going bad read my thread I made about my alternator issues. I went through them faster than a tank of gas on many occaisions because the reman's from the store are plain junk now...

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

<shrug> my reman from advance auto has been fine for 2 years.

billscamaros

iTrader: (1)

i replaced the alternator this evening. as usual, a 30 minute job turns into 2 hours since i feel a need to clean everything around the alternator while i work.

i took a test drive this evening and everything seems to be working fine.

thanks for the help.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

Either you were lucky or two years ago they were making better ones, or could even be the builder for Advance Auto is a better builder? Who knows, I know that quite a few people had the same problem I did until they took their alternator to a builder that used better quality parts or did the truck alternator like I did. We dont have Advance Auto's around here that I am aware of and I tried alternators from 4 different suppliers so I gave up on parts store alternators. And the junkyard truck alternator is by far the best alternator I have ever had on the car.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

Glad its working, I got your message but I didnt understand your question...

billscamaros

iTrader: (1)

" ...... or did the truck alternator like I did."

I didn't give any thought to an upgrade. what year and model truck would i have looked for?

Jay-P

iTrader: (16)

From a 99-03 truck/yukon/escalade, etc. 145 amp with the 4 pin connector. pooterss's thread is full of info.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-failures.html

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

Yup thats it, and its still kicking *** too...

BillsCamaro's I posted above that I got your message, when I went back and checked my email it looks like that message was from someone else so disregard that statement. As for details on the truck alternator Jay-P posted the link that has all the info in it. That alternator was the best $40 I have ever spent on my car!

ChvyCruzen

iTrader: (1)

My headlights and all other lights just started flickering too, it seems to do it only during cold start ups ... or maybe that's how long I've been paying attention to it. So its a regulator problem which is a part of the alt. Does anyone know if it will just suddenly fail or will it hold for a while? I ask because I'm about to go see some friends on the other side of the state for the weekend....