Pulsing Lights. Alternator Volt. Regulator????

[CObikercook]

Hey all,

So I have been having a problem with my lights pulsing at night (headlights, taillights, cabin lights, gauge lights) which just started a month ago. The problem seems to only be at night when the headlights are on, drawing extra power vs the daytime. I think I have narrowed the problem down to a bad alternator voltage regulator.

My question is: "with new vehicles having alternator voltage regulators inside the alternator, if the alternator voltage regulator goes bad, is there a way to replace the voltage regulator or do I have to buy a whole new alternator????

Thanks!!!

 

[98trck]

i know you used to be able to buy just the 'electronic voltage regulator'

does it only pulsate when it is idling, or does it change with engine speed ?

 

[CObikercook]

It pulsates at all engine rims, but doesn't speed up if the throttle goes up, it just seems to pulsate at the same speed. I think it has gotten worse because before the volt meter on the dash wouldn't read any change, now the needle moves between 12-14v as the lights are pulsating. I have seen it jump within a split second from 14v to 11v and in between and then back to 14v and just keep jumping around.

 

[98trck]

a couple years ago my 2011 had the volt meter jumping between
11to 15 volts. still under warranty I took to my dealer, I gave them a detailed
list of what the meter did, fan on, ac on, radio on, headlights on n off. They tested the battery cables
and determined that one of them had to high of a resistance. they replaced the battery cable and haven't had any trouble since.
PETE

 

[CObikercook]

Awesome! Thanks Pete! I will take it in to a dealer and have them test the battery cables first before spending money on a new alternator.

 

[98trck]

Awesome! Thanks Pete! I will take it in to a dealer and have them test the battery cables first before spending money on a new alternator.

you could do it yourself with an ohm meter, but we have no idea what the resistance limit should be.

PETE