Where should I look? Electrical problem

[tylan71]

1994 1.6L Corolla. In the morning when I first start her up, the battery light flickers for a while, sometimes stays on for about 20 seconds. She starts up strong and haven't had any problems other than the flicker. Had the battery and alternator checked at 2 different places and both are fine. Now at night my headlights will get really bright and then drop down in intensity as I drive.

Anyone have something similar happen or any suggestions as to where to look for the source of this problem?

[retiredat44]

maybe your battery cable is bad? something is bad..

[blb]

Clean both cable connections at the battery. Follow the wiring from the alternator and make sure it is all OK. Probably the brushes are worn and need to be replaced in the alternator, even though it bench tested OK.

[retiredat44]

was the alternator LOAD tested?

[tylan71]

Don't know specifically. I took it to an Autozone and an Advanced Auto Parts store and had them do whatever tests they do on the battery and alternator. They both said that the battery and alternator were "fine". I don't know if those diagnostics included a load test.

[punter]

Slipping belt? They don't always squeal so check the tension.

Test the voltage across your battery with the car running and then with it off.