Wierd problem with lights

[sublettm]

As I was driving home from work tonight I noticed that my headlights kept getting bright and then going back to normal illumination. My dash lights and the light for my radio was also getting brighter then dimmer. It had nothing to do with hitting the accelerator or backing off of it. I tried this thinking that maybe it had something to do with the alternator turning faster, thus generating more power, making my lights brighter, but that wasn't it. Just curious to see if any of you have had this problem and what you may have done to remedy this little bug. It really isn't that big of a deal except that the person in front of me probably thought that I was flashing my lights at him wanting him to go faster.

mike

[240 Ed]

I am surprised no-one has jumped on this question! It's an easy one.

Your voltage regulator is failing. And you want to replace it too, because your electrics/ bulbs, radio etc. will all be very stressed or trashed by receiving regular hits of high voltage.

You will be lucky if just your bulbs pop. But it a major PITA to change the instument bulbs, etc.

So just swap out your regulator for a junkyard one. Takes about 30 seconds.

[sublettm]

I am assuming that teh voltage regulator in question here is on the alternator. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Mike

[jbaj007]

That what you want. ~$15 from FastLane for a non-Bosch (but good).

[diesel don]

I don't know which car you are referring to but my 83,84 and 85 have a VR which plugs into the rear of the alternator. A very, very simple job with a couple of options:

1. Get new brushes ($3.00) but probably not worth the pain
2. Purchase new from Fastland as indicated above
3. Purchase new from parts place (I paid $30 or so)

Don