Bad Alternator???

[MOBB]

I own a 01' XLE V6 with about 186k's on it. When i am driving at night and come to a complete stop the interior dash lights dim (mainly the dash gauges), the dimming isn't very noticeable. As soon as I accelerate the interior lights go back to there normal state. The same thing also happens with the fan, i can hear the difference in the fan output while accelerating.
The car also has an abnormal starting problem, sometimes it'll start firm and other times it will just feel like it it'll die and just barley start I sometimes have to hit gas to get it to start.

What are these the symptoms of? I thought it was the battery, so i got it replaced for an AC delco one but the problems still persists. Are these the signs of a bad alternator what should I be looking for??

[Hajoca]

Normal. do a search.

[dc_98_cam]

Might be dirty or oxidized alternator connections.
First disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery.
Get a small, fine wire brush, remove the alternator plug and clean it with the brush. Also get a spray can of electrical contact cleaner and spray both alternator plug and socket .... On the alternator there is a ground wire connection ... a threaded bolt and nut as I recall. Clean these and spray with contact cleaner... snug up nut on bolt, but don't over tighten.
It is important for electrical connections to have bright, shiny surfaces... If they are dirty or loose, the electrical current can't get from one side to the other of a plug or terminal. ... Sometimes moisture is a factor, or maybe road salt, or just a lot of road miles.
Starter problem might be due to internal contact plate within the starter ... probably have to rebuild or get a new one. Not sure about starter relay... I would guess problem is actually in the starter, where it handles the high magnitude motor current. ... Might be worth removing the starter cable terminals and cleaning the connections .... remove negative battery cable first though.

[MOBB]

Originally Posted by dc_98_cam

Might be dirty or oxidized alternator connections.
First disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery.
Get a small, fine wire brush, remove the alternator plug and clean it with the brush. Also get a spray can of electrical contact cleaner and spray both alternator plug and socket .... On the alternator there is a ground wire connection ... a threaded bolt and nut as I recall. Clean these and spray with contact cleaner... snug up nut on bolt, but don't over tighten.
It is important for electrical connections to have bright, shiny surfaces... If they are dirty or loose, the electrical current can't get from one side to the other of a plug or terminal. ... Sometimes moisture is a factor, or maybe road salt, or just a lot of road miles.
Starter problem might be due to internal contact plate within the starter ... probably have to rebuild or get a new one. Not sure about starter relay... I would guess problem is actually in the starter, where it handles the high magnitude motor current. ... Might be worth removing the starter cable terminals and cleaning the connections .... remove negative battery cable first though.

Will try to clean everything before taking into the shop, thanks for the info!!

[dc_98_cam]

See link here ... post #21:
Trouble starting 99 Camry

[Kep]

Clean the battery terminals too. Make sure that they are snug.

Kep