Flickery lights... any ideas?

Post by **wasserleaker** » 06 Jan 2008, 10:10

Howdoo, all
my van has just recently developed flickering headlights and dash lights, noticeble when driving on unlit roads, it almost looks like the headlights are wobbling slightly, but they're not loose, im wondering if its a bad or intermittent earth somewhere, or could it be a sign that the alternator is on its way out? the battery light doesn't come on when the flickering is happenning tho.
any thoughts on what to check? the battery is only about a year old, and is topped up, and the body-to-battery-neg strap was replaced at the same time, also the engine to body flat braided earth strap was replaced as the old one was frayed . and the metal it bolts to cleaned up. ta for any help!

Post by **kevtherev** » 06 Jan 2008, 10:11

Sounds like the regulator is about to pack up

About £15 from any repairer

Post by **Rozzo** » 06 Jan 2008, 11:24

i may be tempted to check the connections on the switch if its heads and dash lights? could be a loose connection or burnt contacts

Post by **1664** » 06 Jan 2008, 12:53

kevtherev wrote:Sounds like the regulator is about to pack up

About £15 from any repairer

That was what it was when my lights were jumping all over the place, eventually the IGN light will dimly glow.
And don't believe anyone who tells you that you can't buy the regulator seperately and have to buy the alternator complete - it's total bull.

Post by **wasserleaker** » 06 Jan 2008, 21:12

thanks for the replies, i've noticed the more electrical stuff is switched on, the worse the flicker is, and it is worse at lower revs, very noticable at tickover with everything switched on, so i'm going to replace the alt. regulator/brush unit, and see if that sorts it, if not look at switch/earth connections as suggested above, im worried about regulator faults, as they can lead to kn*ckering up a good battery if left to develop! many thanks for the suggestions