over done dimming light question

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11-04-2005, 11:00 AM

audioconcepts

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Anyone with an Intrepid or familiar with them electrical wise? I have a severe light dimming problem. I have changed battery to a Red Top, and upgraded all wiring and including a Hyper Ground kit. But even with out the stereo I still get dimming head lights when I apply the brakes and even when the automatic door locks kick in. Checked the altenator at two different shop and it is good. I have run out of ideas, anyone else ever experience this?

11-04-2005, 01:11 PM

zzzzzzz

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how big is the amp?
have you looked at the wire to the lights?
look over your wiring too

11-04-2005, 08:47 PM

zzzzzzz

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how big is the altenator

11-04-2005, 09:49 PM

GrizZz

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Even without the stereo?

That's a tough one...

You've had the alt checked, so assuming it's good. Is that a computer regulated Intrepid? Probably is, that could be the problem...

First thing I'd do if it rolled into my shop, inspect all ables for corrosion and make sure they're tight. Then grab a good jumper cable...

Connect one end of it (just one cable, not both + and - ) to the output pole on the alternator (this may be difficult, depending on location), and the other to the + on the battery. Test again. If problem's still there, do the same for the ground side, clamp that sucker right to the alternator case, and to the - on the battery.

If neither of those jumps improves anything, then you've got either a), a bad, or discharged, battery, or 2), the regulator isn't up to snuff.

That's just a start though...

Edit: So, if the jumper cable DOES improve things, then it's telling you that there's a voltage drop somewhere. You then wanna grab a multimeter and start tracing where you voltage drop is.

[ November 04, 2005, 10:50 PM: Message edited by: GrizZz ]

11-05-2005, 04:09 AM

Eli47

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Well said Grizz [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] , I'd go with door # 2..,and suggest a stiffening cap, and possibly dual batteries.
check for corroded grounds at the lights?

[ November 05, 2005, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: Eli47 ]

11-05-2005, 09:16 AM

Paul Niwranski

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If you have a multimeter, hook it up and put it on the passenger seat for a day or two - it will tell you what your charging system is doing. If it is staying up around or over 14v and your lights are still dimming then the charging system is probably ok and the problem is more with the lights and their wiring.

If the voltage is up and down or just stays down closer to 12v then there are charging system issues and all of the stuff Grizz suggested will help track that down.

11-09-2005, 09:39 AM

audioconcepts

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Thanks all. The dealer said that the alt. is aprox. 120amp (wonder if an alt. from a new 300c with 180 amp. would fit my car?) Haven't yet but will soon be checking headlight wiring.

11-09-2005, 09:53 AM

Haunz

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Quote:

Originally posted by GrizZz:
If neither of those jumps improves anything, then you've got either a), a bad, or discharged, battery, or 2), the regulator isn't up to snuff.

Grizz knows what he's talking about, a couple bumb rectifing diodes in the regulator could definatly cause these issues... The alt and battery both should be load tested... make sure your dealer does this, cause half the time they will just d!ck you around...