GazRallye 0 Posted December 14, 2007 When my XS is idling the headlights go dimmer, when you rev the engine they brighten up. Also i've noticed when i'm driving along sometimes they flicker, not so badly that they go off or anything but enough to be noticeable. Could the alternator be on its way out? Theres a new belt on it that is tensioned right. Or could the battery be at fault? cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,657 Posted December 14, 2007 definitely an alternator fault, have you checked the charging rate? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GazRallye 0 Posted December 15, 2007 Cheers, i'll have a poke around with the multimeter tomorrow, but what exactly do i need to check? -the output from the alternator, (around 14v?) -the output from the battery with engine on and off (values?) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,657 Posted December 15, 2007 yep, with the ignition off check the battery voltage, then start her up and check the voltage, get an assistant if possible and turn on lights etc and monitor charging rate (i.e what voltage is getting to the battery with engine running) then rev it to 2k and see how steady/quickly it responds to each action. you should have about 12.5 to 13v from the battery when the ignition is off, and 14v or over with the engine running. just under 14v is ok, as long as its constant which it doesn't sound as if it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest crxtom Posted December 18, 2007 Could need better earthing straps/points. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites