Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

Had a few weird things happening with the car recently.

- Hit the brake and my radio lights will dim
- Use the turn signals and I will notice the radio lights going darker then brighter as they flash
- Have had an ABS INOP light pop on a couple times but then go away when the car is restarted.

I had a racetronix fuel pump with upgrade harness installed which draws power directly off the alternator. Volts are above 13 on the dash like normal and the car starts and drives just fine. Battery is a few month old optima red top.

Anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing my issues?

-brian

lowboy580

sounds like it is just putting a small load on the alt. like and amp just not drastic enough to pull the voltage down on the gauge....

Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

So in that respect should I upgrade my alternator?

lowboy580

i could be wrong....but i would definatly take it up to and oriely's or autozone and have the alt. tested. past that i have no idea. allthough i would like to know why the fuel pump has to draw it power directly from the alt. is the power suppose to be more constant that way???

Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

It's a 5 min deal to take off the alternator so I'll do that and go have it tested. The harness grabs power right from the alternator to make sure it gets constant and solid voltage. They say that the volts can drop at high rpms reducing pump flow a bit. I hate electrical issues.

anyone else have an idea?

-brian

ghardester

Connections. Check them. If your volt gauge reads 13 and you have a new Optima, I would look for simple things first.

Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

if all connections look good, would upgrading the alternator hurt anything?

-Brian

ghardester

Nope, won't hurt and then you will know that it's not the alternator. But it still might not solve the problem. As long as spending the money is not a problem go ahead. But plugging in new components is an expensive way to solve problems. You can get the alternater tested for output at a parts store.

Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

alternator failed when it was tested. Put in a nice 160 amp unit from mralternator...however same problems. I'm looking over things but any other ideas? The stereo lights dim sometimes when hitting the brakes. I have LEDs in my taillights so the draw shouldn't be anywhere near normal lamps.

-Brian