electrical problem.....possibly alternator

[lilchubby]

hey guys im new to the board. i just bought a 2001 carmaro 3.8 m5. i was driving it around last night and noticed my lights flickering a bit. i realized that when i put any strain on the battery ie... push the window button hit the breakes for the break lights to come on, the lights would flicker dash lights would blink and cd player would cut out. so i thought ok maybe its the alternator or battery. got them tested and things checked out fine. what gives people, i love this car, but i dont want problems this early. the car only has 48 k on it and i have a 1000 mile warranty so i want to get his figured out quick....thanx in advance, forrest

[FunkZ]

When the alternator and battery were tested, were they put under load or was the car sitting at idle with no accessories turned on? You might have had one phase go out on the alternator and it's still putting out charge, but not enough to keep up with a high demand.

http://www.misterfixit.com/alterntr.htm

[lilchubby]

they first told me to rev and hold it above 2000 rpm and tested their, then at idle. she said the battery was a little weak possibly meaning that its in the process of going bad. any other suggestions. by the way, the problem has no occured again since then, im just completly baffled.

[FunkZ]

Are the battery terminals corroded? If so you can clean them up with a wire brush and a little baking soda in water mix. Otherwise just make sure the connectors are tight and see if it happens again. It's not unusual for a factory battery to go dead in 5 years so it may be time for a replacement soon anyway.

[AWSOMEFIREBIRD]

yes it is your alternator voltage regulator which is built into the alternator Ive Had the same problem. I i havent replaced my alternator
cause it still charges good. I wouldnt worry about it unless it just agervates you.

[blue night]

I work for a chevy dealership as an auto tech, and I have the same problem, when I diagnosed the problem and read the tsb's for the car gm put an alternator on these cars that could not put out the correct voltage, and keep it constant, they recommend that the owner put a bigger alternator on, this will stop it.