What is my problem?

[jbrunk]

Ever since i bought my car some electrical things have been strange. When i turn on my lights at night they kind of blink in and out fading and brightning- but its suddle. My battery gauge also jumps around all the time. Even when i turn the air up to full blast it kind of pulses like its getting good power for a second and then it cuts out a bit the next second. I have had no enigine problems, it runs strong no matter how hard i push it.

Is my problem dealing with the battery, alternator, or anything
else?

Any comments or suggestions would help, thanks in advance.

[gimp19]

Could be a loose wire, could be the alt, could be alot of things. Car electrical is pretty complicated. Either Autozone, Advance Auto or both will test your alternator for free. I'd take it there so atleast you can rule out the alt if its not the problem also have them check your battery.

[jbrunk]

Thanks, ill do that later today.

[KnightFire]

From the info, I'd wager your alternator is going out on ya.






KnightFire

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Originally posted by KnightFire
From the info, I'd wager your alternator is going out on ya.
KnightFire

I second that. Sounds like the brushes are bad.

My Mustang used to do that all of the time. My sub amp drew enough power to make the brushes spark on the commentator in the alternator. It would leave a pitted little black mark on it. After a couple of months, it would pit enough to make it quit charging. I'd take it apart and sand the commentator and it would work fine for a few more months. I finally put a 1 farad capacitor on the sub amp and it never did it again.

[Dave M]

My 88 GTA did the same thing, alternator was the culprit.