Voltage gauge dancing

[yellowcat]

took the x to autozone and had them put it on the crash cart. Everything checked normal. The problem is that at idle my lights flicker and the volt meter shakes maybe an 1/8 of an inch back and fourth. I am thinking maybe its the voltage reg?

 

[JTX]

Try cleaning your terminals if you havent already.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

could your serpentine belt be slipping?

It only jiggles while the engine is running, right?

 

[yellowcat]

the serpentine belt is squeking. I will replace and post back. looks like I forgot about the simple things.

 

[BrooklynBay]

How old is this belt that you are replacing? Was the alternator ever replaced?

 

[yellowcat]

The gauge only wiggiles at idle when running. Looking at the alternator, it looks original. Maybe I should have the alternator bench tested while the belt is off.

 

[Joes4x4Ranger]

I had the same prob about 3 days after I put a new alternator on my rig. I just did not have it plugged in tight. I pushed and wiggled both connections a little and never had a prob since.

If the belt is noisy get it replaced. Throw the one you have now, in the jack compartment as a spare.