1992 Plymouth Acclaim Lossing Power

200,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TAPPEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
While driving I all of my internal light dim until they lose power. My headlights dim, and I lose full power to my breaklights and signal lights. Eventually my spedometer stop working too.

If I stop I get power back but then slowly lose it again over about ten minutes
Feb 13, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
It sounds like your charging system is quitting. First, be sure the belt isn't loose. If you can catch it while it's acting up, measure the voltage across the two battery terminals while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it's low, measure the two voltages on the two small terminals on the back of the alternator. One must have full battery voltage. The other one should have less, typically somewhere between 4 and 11 volts. It must not have 0 volts. If it does have 0 volts, the brushes are worn. They can be replaced, but most people just replace the entire alternator.

Those voltages must be measured with the engine running. There will be 0 volts on both wires when the engine is not running.

caradiodoc
Feb 16, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle