1999 Suburban - Lights Flickering

[Eyegore]

I thought I was seeing things a few months back, lights flickering, but now is more pronounced but I also notice that my dash lights are also flickering. Any ideas? The lights are not going completely off but a normal rythem as it were bright dim.

Tom

[VetteVet]

I experrienced this as well with our 2000 chevy venture, and after some google searching I found a forum on line where a member had the same problem. It seems that there is a ground screw in the alternator that was not making a good connection or had become corroded and after replacing it the problem went away.

I have since had some work done on the engine which required removing the alternator and since that the problem hasn't occured. I asked the shop owner if he'd ever heard of the problem and he said that he wasn't aware of it . I will look for the thread and if I can find it I will post it. In the meantime you might check your grounds on the alternator.

I just found this using google.--http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t601721.html

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

I was going to say a bad rectifier in the alt, but the above post may be it. Jay

[Pyro]

Is it a constant flicker, or somewhat erratic?

[Eyegore]

Originally Posted by Pyro

Is it a constant flicker, or somewhat erratic?

Constant, I thought my eyesight was going bad or something, but like I said it does the same with the dash lights at the same time.

Oh, thank you for your replies.

Tom

[Pyro]

Sure sounds like the alternator to me. I've never heard of this problem with a ground screw in the alternator, pretty interesting. I have one of these alternators around here somewhere, when I get home tonight I'll tear into and and see what I can learn.

[Eyegore]

Originally Posted by Pyro

Sure sounds like the alternator to me. I've never heard of this problem with a ground screw in the alternator, pretty interesting. I have one of these alternators around here somewhere, when I get home tonight I'll tear into and and see what I can learn.

Thank you I'm dying, well at least flickering to find out.

Tom

[fixit-p]

Heres a copy of the TSB Vettevet was referring to, looks like its only applicable to Bosch generators. It does sound like it is the regulator the CS alternators control voltage by turning the field current off and on at varying frequencies if the off cycles are too long it could cause a flicker.

[Pyro]

I'm thinking it's the regulator also. I tore an old CS apart anyway just for the heck of it, noting too special there.

[Eyegore]

Thanks guys. Would it have anything to do with the battery cable harness? Last year I installed a new OEM harness, but the cables are tight and connections snug and clean.