97 camry flickering lights

[Dlundgren97]

So for the past month or so i've beeen troubleshooting the flickering lights in my car. The problem occurs only while the car is running. the flickering is most noticable with the interior dome light, ash tray light and dash lighting. I can also notice it in my headlights sometime sitting in traffic on the bumbers of other cars.

I originally replaced the alternator thinking it was the problem (brushes worn out/voltage regulator shot) with a OEM denso alternator. Ran the new one for about 15 minutes and the flickering continued so i decided to return it and put in my old one.

I then next replaced the battery (the old one was the wrong size anyway)and BAM the flickering stoped! so i thought.. within a day i noticed the flickering beginning again....

I checked the negitive ground on the transmission from the battery and it did not seem loose or too coroded.

Now im thinking that It might have been the alternator all along and maybe i didnt give it enough time to charge the undersized battery i had in before??


Note:: I have replaced a lot of bulbs in my car with LED's including the tail lights brake lights licence plate and rear markers, along with my dash lights. I pulled all of the bulbs out when i had the new alternator in with no change thinking they might have been part of it.

Need help. Any input appreciated.

[BamZipPow]

I would double check the battery ground to the body ground. Measure the resistance of the battery ground to the body ground and post the results.

Snap some piccies of yer battery connectors and post those up.

[fenixus]

clean or replace the battery terminals, they should be shiny (or get new ones), make sure everything is tight by the battery.

I had lights flicker like crazy in past on wife's car, because the wire (going to starter I think) on top of positive post was not tight.

you should actually check ALL engine and wiring harness ground points in engine bay, check this for an idea how many of them there is and where they are located:
Preventative Maintenance: Engine Grounds

also check fuses, some oxidized fuses can cause increased resistance and pass weaker voltage through. I actually replaced all fuses on wife's car at some point hehe

[Dlundgren97]

Another thing to add...

I recently had to take out my 6000k HIDs after the left front one burnt out prematurly (lasted about two months). Now i threw in the some ZXE halogens and i am getting a burning plastic odor coming from the left front headlight after they have been on after a night drive. The same smell was emitted when the HID burnt out in the LF.

The battery is located right behind that headlight..

[Dlundgren97]

I also find it strange the the flickering went away for a day or two after i replaced the batery. wouldnt a bad ground be constant?

[JohnGD]

Maybe. But you can replace only the brush assembly in the alternator, like $20. How's the voltage of the old alternator right now? between 13.5-14.5v? Did you make use the free charging/battery testing at Autozone and maybe other parts stores?

[Dlundgren97]

hey guys problem solved! Fenixus thank you the nut was loose on the top post to the starter wire. I felt so dumb when could turn it by hand after all i've done trying to chase the problem.

[fenixus]

LOL, been there done that, even took it to 3 mechanics and none could fix the damn problem (none of them actually wanted to LOL!) ... until the 3rd or 4th one just touched the nut and tightened it smiling ... man, probably the dumbest day of my automotive life too hehe

glad I could help

Originally Posted by Dlundgren97

hey guys problem solved! Fenixus thank you the nut was loose on the top post to the starter wire. I felt so dumb when could turn it by hand after all i've done trying to chase the problem.

[travd93]

This Thread has reminded me to fix my Battery Terminals.