Headlights and Gauge cluster light flashing

**Red99TA** · 02-06-2009, 06:40 PM

I have recently noticed that my headlights kinda pulsate I guess would be the best way to describe it, same with the lights in my gauge cluster, has anyone else had this issue or is it just something that happens from time to time, seems to go away when i turn the headlights off but leave the parking lights on and have my parking brake up, any fixes are greatly appreciated, thanks

**01NBMSS** · 02-06-2009, 06:51 PM

Sounds like maybe a loose wire or bad connection or something

**nut6778** · 02-06-2009, 06:51 PM

Mine does the same thing. It's done it since I bought the car last March with 60k on the clock. My buddys car just started doing it last week. Weird thing is, he just hit 60k as well.
If anyone out there has an answer, you'll be helping 3 of us!

**Red99TA** · 02-06-2009, 07:01 PM

My friends 02 Z (no power anything btw) does it and he has 30k or so on his, mines a 99 ta with almost 81k on it, I'm not too worried about, just a little annoying at times, but on a good note, I got my replacement maf put in and damn does she run great now, no more stutter around 2k, on the dyno I only put down 251 at the wheels, but with my friends oem maf and slp lid which I have one now myself along with the cai it laid down 329 hp and 339 tq

**nut6778** · 02-15-2009, 01:12 PM

Guess no one has these issues?

**20WS601** · 02-15-2009, 02:42 PM

check the alternater... something about the voltage regulator going up just replaced mine the other day and no more pulsing.

**nut6778** · 02-16-2009, 06:23 PM

Replaced my altenator today...btw...be careful of the plug in the back, only one tiny wire on it that breaks easily...trust me.

Anyway, you all were right! No more pulsating. My gauge now reads about 14 volts compared to 13ish before. I seem to Idle a little better, and I feel like it has more power! Could just be me, we'll see in a few weeks when the track opens.

Thanks for the help!

**Red99TA** · 02-17-2009, 07:25 PM

sweet, good to hear, must be my issue too then, how much was your alt and from where

**nut6778** · 02-17-2009, 07:38 PM

It was $100 even, but I got a buddy that works at a parts store / machine shop, and he gives me a discount. I think retail was like $130.

Make sure you pull the plug on the top side of the altenator BEFORE trying to pull it down!!! There is 1 teeny tiny wire in this plug, and trust me, it breaks easy!

Other than that, it was a 10 minute job. You got to get it from the bottom side of course.

**motrhd1** · 02-18-2009, 08:07 AM

The alternators on our cars seem to have intermitten diode issues, while they "last" a long time (mine at 106k) the diodes operation seems to fluctuate causing the flicker, another place to check is your front running lights, the sockets always burn from not having enough grease in them, IMO that causes voltage spikes for the lack of a better term causing the flicker. So if your miles are low check your bulbs, if its high change the Alt.