all lighting stobes sorta

Topic: all lighting stobes sorta (Read 2077 times) previous topic - next topic

all lighting stobes sorta

March 06, 2011, 11:57:51 PM

While driving a new bird we just got delivery on,,(88sport 5.0), i was driving with headlamps on.

I noticed the dash / headlamps / interior lighting was sort of strobing as in the lighting was going bright to a little less bright,, to bright,,,to a little less bright.

The engine rpm is rock steady at idle , just fyi.

I am wondering if this is a symptom of an IVR "going bad" or not.
Or..
Has anyone had this happen?

I have not checked to see the condition of the headlamp harness grounds on the front left/right of the engine bay yet,, I know to do that part.
The conversion E fan was not running while this is happening either.
Again,the idle rpm is steady so its not directly proportional to the alternator spinning at various speeds,, it seems the only thing in common would be the IVR.
Am I tracking this in the right direction?

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #1 – March 07, 2011, 12:17:30 AM

Mine would do that before I swaped the 3g?

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #2 – March 07, 2011, 12:19:42 AM

already 3g upgraded.
No i have not verified the wiring but should although the previous owner Privateer did the 3g swap based on our information we supplied him.

I suppose i could start the car without the alternator hooked up so its on battery and see if the problem is still there. IF it is, that eliminates a lot of possible faults now wouldnt it?

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #3 – March 07, 2011, 07:04:59 PM

Sounds like a bad diode in the alternator. A slow switching voltage regulator might cause it as well...

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #4 – March 07, 2011, 11:55:46 PM

so running without a belt for a moment should show steady lighting if thats the case,, sound right?

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #5 – March 08, 2011, 05:14:00 AM

yep

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #6 – March 08, 2011, 07:57:58 AM

Mine does that exact same thing. I am following also.

If the alternator was tested at the parts store, would those faults show up??

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #7 – March 08, 2011, 05:43:24 PM

whos to say the equipment at the parts store loaded the alternator long enough for a possible heat related intermittant to show up!!

Im not home now but later this week,, or possibly tonight Ill have mason pop off the belt and see what happens.

I think underdrive pulleys are installed, i should recap with Privateer about the car. Not that underdrive pullys would contribute to this but still, I thought the underdrives were smaller in diameter which would make the alt actually spin faster which in turn offers a slight bit more power.

who knows.
I hope its not the IVR,, i hate takin a dash out. Not hard,, but still.
yet again, hope its not the voltage reg in the alt, its a 3g upgrade so isnt the regulator on the interior of the alternator and not replaceable?

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #8 – March 08, 2011, 08:18:54 PM

Underdrive pulleys are larger on the alt and WP and smaller on the crank. The regulator is internal on the 3G, but it is replaceable. I dont think its difficult, but though I havent done it yet.

Scroll down for the regulator
http://rjminjectiontech.com/?p=7

Let me know what you find. Mine didnt start strobing until after I swapped in my used 3G alt.

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #9 – March 08, 2011, 08:39:00 PM

Also, try using the turn signals on and see if that strobes the lights at all. If it does, could have a bad ground or charging problem.

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #10 – March 08, 2011, 09:52:03 PM

well, i do know and forgot to include originally in post 1 that ....
with the turn signals on, the lighting still strobs and,,, it is not strobing in sync with the turnsignal.

thanks for the pully and regulator info,, I guess when / if i buy a regulator Ill learn how to change it then.
I do have a spare 3g though that came with the car.

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #11 – March 13, 2011, 11:25:27 PM

removed belt yesterday and lights did not strobe.

went to get a regulator today and none in stock for a 3g.
posted wanted add for a couple regulators if anyone can help.

btw- not sure what i was thinking, the reg is external meaning its mounted to the alt on the outside.,, totally forgot what i though I knew.
PO said today that the amp guage wasnt working when he did the 3g upgrade, he said he used the 3g diagram for the 2.3 so I have to figure out whats going on there as well because this is a 5.0. hopefully it will be an easy fix.

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #12 – March 14, 2011, 04:38:58 PM

If you have under drive pulleys the alternator RPM is probably too low at idle.
Alternators operate in the 2000-10,000 RPM range.
Stock pulleys are about 1 to 3 crank to alternator.
At 800 RPM idle the Alternator would be at 2400 RPM.

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #13 – March 14, 2011, 10:25:59 PM

Ill snap i pic of the engine bay, i dont think it has under drive pullys installed

all lighting stobes sorta

Reply #14 – April 15, 2011, 10:23:06 AM

Any update? Did it fix it?