Headlights and dash lights pulsate

Tiny
JAY2005
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
While I drive down the road or sit at a stop my dash lights and headlights pulsate. I have check all the grounds replaced the battery to no avail. Just yesterday the truck gave me a system message battery not charging and you can watch the AMP meter just fall and lights dim after I take the jumper cables off. What else should I try? Any help would be great!
Saturday, May 19th, 2018 AT 12:11 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. It sounds like the alternator/regulator is bad. Here are general directions for checking:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here are general directions for replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Here are directions and pictures for replacement specific to your vehicle:

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the accessory drive belt.
If necessary, remove the engine sight shield.
Disconnect the generator electrical connector (3).
Remove the generator cable from the generator, perform the following:
Slide the boot down revealing the terminal stud.
Remove the generator cable nut from the terminal stud.
Remove the generator cable.
Remove the generator bolts.
Remove the generator.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Install the generator.
NOTE : Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the generator bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
Install the generator cable to the generator, perform the following:
Install the generator cable.
Install the generator cable nut to the terminal stud.
Tighten the nut to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
Slide the boot over the terminal stud.
Connect the generator electrical connector (3).
If necessary, install the engine sight shield.
Install the accessory drive belt.

I've also attached belt routing diagrams for you.

If you are uncomfortable testing the alternator with the aforementioned directions, remove it and take it to a parts store. Most stores will check if for free.

I hope this helps you.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, May 19th, 2018 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
JAY2005
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you very much for the quick response. Just put the part on order but $50.00 cheaper online vs the store. Fingers crossed problem is resolved.
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Saturday, May 19th, 2018 AT 11:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Let me know how things work out for you. As far as the price, they are usually are less online, but if you get the wrong part, then it takes forever to get things resolved.

I hope everything goes well. Again, let me know if things are fixed!

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
JAY2005
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I sure will. Part should be here today of tomorrow.
Thank you for the quick response on this issue!
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018 AT 4:03 AM

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