headlights dim while brakeing

[HeadyFirebird'00]

So i think it might be an alternator issue. 87900miles on a 2000. Its weird cuz it doesnt happen all the time just every now and then just on one drive. but happens on each drive. anyone delt with this before?

[2002steen]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

here is how i check to make sure the alternator is good, start the car get out while car is idling take off the positive cable on the battery if the car dies alternator is bad,if you take the postive cable off and it does not die get in the car turn headlights on turn heater on radio ect.. and if you turn everything on and it still dont die alternator is good but if you turn everything on and the car dies that means the alternator is weak.good luck

[Fbody3400]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

I don't think its much of an issue. The 3.4 I use to own had some smaller pulleys on it, the amperage would drop to a nose hair above the red. The head lights dimmed a bit but it still gets its 'charge' from the driving. You can check your alternator's output at an autozone, you have to put down a deposit and they let you use some voltmeter or something. Once you're done you get your deposit back.

[IwannaCamarosoBad]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

I don't think its much of an issue. The 3.4 I use to own had some smaller pulleys on it, the amperage would drop to a nose hair above the red. The head lights dimmed a bit but it still gets its 'charge' from the driving. You can check your alternator's output at an autozone, you have to put down a deposit and they let you use some voltmeter or something. Once you're done you get your deposit back.

if its a voltmeter. why do that when you can buy one for I think 20 at K-sears

[95astrovan]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

the autozone i live near, the guy will step outside and check it right there for free...

[bigbrian442]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

here is how i check to make sure the alternator is good, start the car get out while car is idling take off the positive cable on the battery if the car dies alternator is bad,if you take the postive cable off and it does not die get in the car turn headlights on turn heater on radio ect.. and if you turn everything on and it still dont die alternator is good but if you turn everything on and the car dies that means the alternator is weak.good luck

I suggest you research this before you try it. Most alternator re manufactures include paper work with there products warning that this will kill the new alternator.

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

Yah i really didnt want to try that whole biz suggested by 2002steen.

[Rob Bell]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

DO NOT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. That is an old trick to get people to buy a new alternator. It can damage the alternator and the sensitive electronics in the car. The car will always die when you disconnect the battery because the alternator depends on power from the battery to produce a magnetic field to generate current. By disconnecting the battery you break the circuit. No battery, no alternator, no spark, and the engine stalls.

You can use a voltmeter to check the voltage while the car is running. It should be about 14-15 volts at the battery terminals. Our cars have an inherent problem with lights dimming sometimes when the brakes are applied. You will also notice the voltmeter drop and then come back up. It seems to happen more when there is a heavier electrical load.

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

so this is probably no big deal then.?

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

Check your belt as well. Too much belt/tensioner play will cause funky issues.

[IwannaCamarosoBad]

Re: headlights dim while brakeing

Check your belt as well. Too much belt/tensioner play will cause funky issues.

I think almost everything electrical is a funky issue in itself