something electrical?

1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
244,750 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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LARRYW
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I have a 97 Chevy Cavalier, recently, when I use the brakes, the lights dim, the blower moter drops down for a few seconds, then everything goes back to normal levels. Is this a problem with the battery, or the alternator?
Mar 4, 2011 at 1:41 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 30,869 POSTS
Sound's like a alternator issue but i would make sure the battery cable's are clean and tight.Also have the battery and alternator tested.
Mar 4, 2011 at 2:09 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 20,761 POSTS
You may have a bad IAC ( idle air control) but try eliminating any vacuum leaks and cleaning the throttle body first. Remove the intake snorkel, have someone hold the throttle wide open for you and scrub the back side of the throttle plate and surrounding bore with an old tooth brush and some carb cleaner. Be sure to spray some into the small holes next to the throttle plate. That should help stabilize the idle. If it still has a problem, replace the IAC.
Mar 4, 2011 at 3:18 AM
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