Electrical Problem?

2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
97,070 MILES
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TECKID
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  • 2 POSTS
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.
Nov 2, 2011 at 1:18 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 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?
Nov 2, 2011 at 1:20 AM
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TECKID
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I havent checked the alternator yet, i have checked the connection to the battery, and it seems to be good.
Nov 2, 2011 at 1:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 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.
Nov 2, 2011 at 1:36 AM