charging system help

[tattmick]

I own a 2000 Trans-Am with approx. 130k miles.When driving at night I notice the headlights and insturment lights flickering from bright to normal slightly. The volt gauge reads about 18-20 volts.It just started doing this a couple days ago and would like to fix this before it becomes something more serious.The alternator is original and the belts are in good shape.Any help would be great.thanks

[sunsetorangess]

Do you hear the fan kick on when you notice the "flickering"? You can take it to any local parts stores to do a charging system check for free. In the mean time check all connections and make sure there clean and tight. And check the battery terminals.
J

[Wesman]

I own a 2000 Trans-Am with approx. 130k miles.When driving at night I notice the headlights and insturment lights flickering from bright to normal slightly. The volt gauge reads about 18-20 volts.It just started doing this a couple days ago and would like to fix this before it becomes something more serious.The alternator is original and the belts are in good shape.Any help would be great.thanks

That sounds like too much voltage. You should be between 14-16 volts with the car running and the alt charging the battery. 18-20 volts means the alternator is probably overcharging the battery, which can definitely cause damage to electronic components, as well as the battery itself.

Take the car to a local Auto parts store that does free charging system tests (i.e, Advance Auto) and see what they can come up with.

[0rion]

put a volt meter across the battery terminals and see how much voltage you see there first. Should be ~14.4 volts. Seems like every pontiac I've ever had did this same thing. I had a 79 T/A that did it real bad but it lasted 20 years doing that.

[WARP211]

it also could be the altenator.. the voltage regulator is not regulatin enough voltage so its over charging the car.. I would have it check out at like a Kargen or Autozone.. Starting and charging test..

[blackbird99]

i have the same problem with the lights,i put a new battery which it needed one but that didnt help got a charge test and it was fine my next step is the alt.