2002 Other Chevrolet Models Flickering Headlights /Interior

TRACKERENVY

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET

2002 Other Chevrolet Models
My car is a 2002 Chevy Tracker 4x4
I have had this issue for a little and somedays its bad and others it doesnt even show its ugly head. When driving the headlights, interior lights, dash lights all flicker from normal to high repeatedly. We have had the alternator and batter checked. Some days we dont even see the problem other days like said it is way bad. We have cleaned batter posts, and the ground by the battery that attaches to the body of the tracker. Also I noticed when the weather is really cold, we have no issues or it doesnt show its ugly head until it warms outside. If its a ground please give me an idea of where all those pesky fellars are. I noticed also the wires to the alternater have a rubber boot type thing that is on it, and its got a crack could that be the problem?

Please someone help ! I will be needing some mental help if this issue is not fixed soon.

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

I'm sorry, we don't do psyciatric consultations. We have enough trouble with cars. It sounds to me like the voltage regulator in your alternator is spikeing. A normal alternator test may not show this. The easiest way to find out is to connect a cheap "analog" voltage gauge to the output terminal of the alternator and extend it into the vehicle so you can watch it while driving. The wire from the alternator to the plus side of gauge. The negative side to ground. You can't use a digital gauge or meter because they won't show a "pulse" Where an analog gauge with the needle will. If the lights spike with the gauge needle, it's the regulator for your alternator.