Lights flickering slightly?

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cudadriver

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I installed a rebuilt alternator in my '68 Barracuda this afternoon. I noticed the interior lights have a slight flickering to them at idle. The output of the alt is ok. Is this normal? Can a bad battery be the cause. Please advise. Thanks
 
I had the exact same problem.. on my 65... I made some changes to where the regulator senses the voltage.. and wound up putting a different alt from the wrecking yards??

PM if you want any help
 
I have seen some cars do this randomly just do to power surge. Last time it happened to my buddy his battery had a bad cell in it and wouldnt fully charge but stayed at 12 volts while running. Best thing for you to try is to take the battery out and go get it checked out, Autozone (I know I know) checks batteries for free.
 
I have seen some cars do this randomly just do to power surge. Last time it happened to my buddy his battery had a bad cell in it and wouldnt fully charge but stayed at 12 volts while running. Best thing for you to try is to take the battery out and go get it checked out, Autozone (I know I know) checks batteries for free.

Thanks guys! I do think the battery is faulty, like a bad cell or some other battery fault. I'm going for a new one tomorrow. Thanks!
 
I would have them load test the battery first... It was not a battery issue for me..

Battery man off St James does it usually for free..
 
I would have them load test the battery first... It was not a battery issue for me..

Battery man off St James does it usually for free..

+1 don't spend money if you don't have to, check it out first, but if you have to buy a battery go optima, i have them in everything i own
 
I also have a clamp on style tester to check the amperage output of the alternator..

Let me know when you want to test ??
 
I want to know what voltage regulator you have in your car...in 1968 they used a points type regulator that acts like a relay...it will turn on and off and you will see your lights flicker...mine went away when I changed to the three wire alternator and the electronic voltage regulator...post 1970 style...8)
 
I want to know what voltage regulator you have in your car...in 1968 they used a points type regulator that acts like a relay...it will turn on and off and you will see your lights flicker...mine went away when I changed to the three wire alternator and the electronic voltage regulator...post 1970 style...8)

OK my buddy showed up with the tester and shows the battery is weak even though it shows 12.48 volts when not running. I have an nos original style regulator. New battery tomorrow.
 
I have the same problem, all the lights dim up and down. I have the new style voltage regulator, new wiring, new alternator, etc.
I was told to replace the brushes in the alternator- but I have never had one apart so I am not sure if that is the cause/remedy.
Its still an issue.
 
I have the same problem, all the lights dim up and down. I have the new style voltage regulator, new wiring, new alternator, etc.
I was told to replace the brushes in the alternator- but I have never had one apart so I am not sure if that is the cause/remedy.
Its still an issue.

You don't have to take the alt apart to change the brushes. Very easy job.
 
I tested my alternator yesterday, and it is working fine. It must be the brand new voltage regulator, I hate when that happens! $50 for the 'good one' and I'm chasing the problem back to a new part. No chance of returning electrical parts either.
 
I tested my alternator yesterday, and it is working fine. It must be the brand new voltage regulator, I hate when that happens! $50 for the 'good one' and I'm chasing the problem back to a new part. No chance of returning electrical parts either.
I had the oem looking one that mopar performance makes and it fried the first time it was powered up...went to auto parts and picked up a silver one and it runs fine....I also had an alternator blow up and throw white ceramic pieces all over the engine compartment...
 
95% of the time it's the contacts on the firewall connector. They get hot then cool down many times during it's life. So they get loose and start the light show. Just need to remove the power ones, clean and spread the blades and reinstall.

Good luck
 
I called NAPA and they are going to exchange my regulator for a new one!
That's awesome, I checked the receipt and it was actually $60+.

67gtx, are you talking about the bulkhead connector?

Mine is in good shape and I just checked it out- I was thinking I could use that electronic gel stuff that helps connectors stay clean and keeps a good contact.

Has anyone ever had any success with that stuff and all that heat right next to it?
 
Slant six Dan knows how to correct the problem. I think if you search on FABO or go to Slant6.com you will find lots of info. Dan is a genuis when it comes to lights, wiring................ I'm just saying !!!......
 
I called NAPA and they are going to exchange my regulator for a new one!
That's awesome, I checked the receipt and it was actually $60+.

67gtx, are you talking about the bulkhead connector?

Mine is in good shape and I just checked it out- I was thinking I could use that electronic gel stuff that helps connectors stay clean and keeps a good contact.

Has anyone ever had any success with that stuff and all that heat right next to it?
yes it's called dielectric grease
 
I have the same problem, all the lights dim up and down. I have the new style voltage regulator, new wiring, new alternator, etc.
I was told to replace the brushes in the alternator- but I have never had one apart so I am not sure if that is the cause/remedy.
Its still an issue.
Same with mine , however after reading some of this my battery is doing the same
has almost 13V with vehicle off , I may try another battery from one of my other cars just to check it out
 
So 10+ years ago, iirc, I had an Accel distributor and a stock alternator.
I now have an MSD distributor and an alternator with an internal regulator.

Inbetween I think I had the MSD and stock alternator, I got a solid state regulator, search 35-300 on ebay, and a NAPA solid state flasher.

Iirc, do not use the 35-300 if you don't have electronic ignition.

The 35-300 solved my charging issue, and the NAPA flasher solved the dimming lights issue, (see below, iirc I had relays and H4 headlights by then, so maybe just the dash lights were dim).

I know for sure the NAPA flasher solved an issue on another car with an MSD and a stock alternator.
The dash lights only worked on one side, most of the time, extremely dim on the other. Headlights might have had the issue described above, not sure.

Both cars have 2 NAPA flashers now, and the directionals flash like a modern car.
 
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