i'm having some wierd electrical problems. when i was driving this morning, i had my stereo and lights on on the freeway. then the lights on my gauges and everywhere else on my car starting fading in and out. i turned my stereo off, revved up the engine, but the lights still faded in and out on my gauges. i'm thinking it may be the alternator, what do you guys think?

 

that happend to me once. My alternator wasn't sending electric to the battery so my car was using the battery to power the car. plus i had my light on. my gauges started to fade and also my headlights. after i replace the alternator every is fine.

 

Mine did the same thing about 6 months ago. When I would rev the motor, the lights would get brighter but when I quit pressing the accelerator, they would dim. I used my Haynes manual and went step by step to check the electrical problem. The result is that the voltage regulator INSIDE the alternator had malfunctioned. You need a new alt. Shouldn't cost too much. A local auto electric shop replaced mine for about $140.

 

ahh crap, that's what i had thought. how much were the part to replace the altenator? i heard the swap is acutally simple, about 15 minutes? so i'm thinking of doing it myself if thats the case.

 

Yes, it is your alternator or voltage regulator. Since our cars have both components installed as a single unit, you have to replace both of them.

I replaced mine while lying on my back in a muddy gravel parking lot. I had never done it before. It was fairly simple. They Hanes/Chiltons details it fine. I would advise removing the alternator and THEN disconecting the plugs. They are hard to get when the alternator is still in the car. Also, check you belt tension. If it is too loose, it won't recharge the battery.

Also, make sure you battery is in good shape. If your weakened alternator drains your battery, it may ruin it. When you replace the alternator, it will kill itself (literally) trying to recharge a battery that will no longer hold a charge. I know...from experience! Good luck

 

It shouldn't take too long. 45 minutes tops. The biggest PIA is the splash guard underneath the front of the car.