Electrical Problem?

TECKID

MEMBER
2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
97,070 MILES

I have a 2002 sunfire. When you hit the brakes, the headlights dim significantly (at night), and if you have the A/C blower, along with the cooling fans, and have your foot on the brake, the guages drop, and the Service, theft system, trac off lights come on. We put in a new battery a couple of months ago because it was doing the same thing then, but with the new battery it hasnt changed.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Have you had the alternator checked? Have you checked for loose or bad electrical connections from the battery? Have you checked for weak grounds?

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Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 AT 1:20 AM

TECKID

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I havent checked the alternator yet, I have checked the connection to the battery, and it seems to be good.

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Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 AT 1:33 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Have the alt checked or you can do it yourself with a volt meter. With the engine off, check the voltage at the battery. It should be 12+ volts. Then start the engine and recheck it at the battery. It should be 14+ volts. That way you know the alt is working and the fuseable link is good. The fuseable link is what sends the power from the alt to the battery. If it is bad, the alt could be good and still not charge the battery.

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Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 AT 1:36 AM