Lights flicker and volatage gauge is jerky

[skibum2u]

Another small problem I have noticed with my 91 explorer is a flickering of the headlights and interior lights at idle. I want to think its the voltage regualtor on the alternator but I am unsure how to go about checking that. I would rather not have to take the alternator apart but I am looing for some advice.

 

[D]

my 91 does that too.:smoke:

 

[skibum2u]

Is this something we should be worried about or should we just let it ride.

 

[FireZeus]

Its a voltage regulator, replace at alternator or live with it. When it finally goes out and wont charge at all, just hope that you are close to home, it isn't dark, and you have a fresh battery.

 

[MyExp]

I've noticed that my 91 does this too... At idle the voltage gauge is pretty low. I think the alternator is the original.

I will probably wait until mine goes to replace it.

 

[yaw]

i fixed it

as FireZeus stated, REPLACE IT! mine went out on a four our long road trip...it just kept charging and charging my battery. i had to hold the electric window button just to get it below the red line, but after about a half hour it had charged up enough to handle that too! the next day my battery was dead.. it's a cheap part and very easy to replace..just lossen the belt and it takes about 5 minutes. your stereo won't sound like **** at a stop light anymore either.

 

[LiKuiD]

can you elaborate on this topic? cuz my 93 does similar things...like w/ the radio and some other stuff.....what are the signs of someting going bad?

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

A common cause of the "flickering lights" syndrome on the early models is the battery cables, especially the positive cable. Over time, the cables start to corrode from the inside, creating resistance within them. This causes the lights to flicker.

I would go to Autozone or one of those types of places and get your charging system checked. Most will do it for free. If the alternator and battery check out alright, replace both your battery cables and see if that fixes the problem. I had to replace the battery and alternator (both died) and I still had the flickering lights. I replaced the positive cable, and that still didn't fix it. It wasn't until I replaced the negative cable that the flickering went away. So replace both cables. They're both 10 years old now.

peace

Mike

 

[MattHarrell]

While I agree about testing it at some place like AutoZone that won't necessarily show a problem. Mine tested fine but I still had a bad alternator / regulator.

After having them check it go grab yourself a multimeter and measure the voltage when you notice the flicker. Mine was bouncing from 14 to 16 volts at idle and replacing the alternator fixed it

Also, take the multimeter and check the resistance between the engine and battery neg, engine and frame, battery neg and frame. There should only be a slight resistance between these components but I can't remember whether slight should be on the order of ohms or milliohms. Similiarly, if you can reach them, test the resistance between the various connections of the positive cable (make sure not to ground it). These tests should help determine if the battery cable and ground straps are alright.

 

[asp84]

My 91 X has the same problem too! The lights don't flicker as much, but the needle bounces all over the dial! When I am driving, the needle goes above the 18V mark, and when I idle, it drops down to low.

I will be replacing the voltage regulator soon. Hopefully this will help. Has anybody heard of bad alternator voltage affecting the Overdrive capability?

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

Here ya go asp84!

Dead Link Removed


peace

Mike

 

[asp84]

Mike 92 XLT
Thank you very very much.
My voltage is all over the place! The tranny will go in to overdrive, its the torque converter lockup thats the problem. It locks up when you acclerate, not when your cruising, as soon as you maintain a normal speed it unlocks. For example, accelerating up a hill, it locks, going down the hill, it unlocks causing the RPM's to shoot up.

EXACTLY OPPOSITE of what it should do. WIERD!

Thanks,
Al

 

[MattHarrell]

Yeah, but if the voltage is getting that high then you could be having all kinds of problems. I would go ahead and fix it before something gets burned out.

 

[bergercook]

I had the same problem, until I replaced the negative battery cable. Now no more flicker of the lights or jumping of the volt meter!!!!!!!