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PB2002 · 12-27-2010, 12:17 PM

Steve:

Just wanted to close the loop on this thread...I took the car to the dealer and they tested the ignition switch and confirmed it was not the problem. They then wanted to charge me $200 to begin testing the wiring to find where the problem was coming from. I decided to give it a shot myself. When I got home, the new "replacement" alternator had arrrived so I swapped out the one I put in a week ago and Voila! The voltage test put it at 14.2 volts, just where you thought it should be...

However, the lights continued to flicker and the stereo still cut in and out. I then removed the Positive (not negative) lead from the battery to the connection in the firewall and found a small amount of corrosion on the firewall connection. I cleaned both ends and reconnected and the flickering went away!!! I was shocked and surprised that such a small amount of oxidation could have that much of an impact. Nevertheless, the problem is fixed.

Thanks to everybody who provided input on this issue, it greatly helped.

PB2002.

12-27-2010, 12:17 PM	#12
PB2002 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: CA Posts: 7	Stubborn electrical problem - RESOLVED Steve: Just wanted to close the loop on this thread...I took the car to the dealer and they tested the ignition switch and confirmed it was not the problem. They then wanted to charge me $200 to begin testing the wiring to find where the problem was coming from. I decided to give it a shot myself. When I got home, the new "replacement" alternator had arrrived so I swapped out the one I put in a week ago and Voila! The voltage test put it at 14.2 volts, just where you thought it should be... However, the lights continued to flicker and the stereo still cut in and out. I then removed the Positive (not negative) lead from the battery to the connection in the firewall and found a small amount of corrosion on the firewall connection. I cleaned both ends and reconnected and the flickering went away!!! I was shocked and surprised that such a small amount of oxidation could have that much of an impact. Nevertheless, the problem is fixed. Thanks to everybody who provided input on this issue, it greatly helped. PB2002.