buzz flicker

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12-15-2003, 07:51 AM

MNMaxi

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Join Date: Mar 2003

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buzz flicker

I have 2000 Max SE auto, loaded with everything possible at the time, bought early so 16" wheels. Live in MN so it's cold and crappy out. Problem is that when I come to a stop, so the rpms go to idle, my headlights, dash, dome light all flicker real fast and I have a BUZZZZZ in the steering wheel. I don't mean when I stop, like rotors, I mean when I'm completely stopped. The buzz will hit when the car shifts down to 1st gear. If I hit the gas and drive it smooths out. If I put it in neutral the buzz stops immediately, but the lights still flicker. Could this be the alternator? Doesn't seem like it because the steering wheel buzzes. It's starting to really bother me lately, and sometimes after driving for a long time it'll stop. Have 59,400 miles on it. Any ideas?????

12-15-2003, 03:48 PM

MNMaxi

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Nobody's got any idea on this? If the flicker in all my lights at the same time is say the alternator/voltage regulator, how could that in any way cause a vibration in the steering wheel? Does anybody else's steering wheel vibrate after putting there Max in gear, then go away after a few seconds? Mine stays like that when stopped, goes away when accelerating, then vibes again when stopped dead at red lights. Any help is appreciated. I'm at 59.4K and if in any way this is powertrain related (unlikely I'm sure) I have only 600mi left on warranty.

12-15-2003, 05:41 PM

Maxpat82

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Join Date: May 2003

Posts: 371

Does your idle seem to be OK?

My mom Contour was having the same kind of problem and she run a bottle of injector cleaner and almost everything take his place!!

Have you ever put a bottle of injector cleaner??

12-16-2003, 07:12 AM

MNMaxi

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I've used those, not lately though. I wonder if the well known coil problem could be surfacing? No SES light on yet though. I'll try some injector cleaner just for ****z, been awhile on that anyway. I've heard both 60K and 100K on the plugs, what is in the manual? 60k?

12-16-2003, 08:28 AM

Maxpat82

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Don't think that it could be a Coil related problem cause you say that it disapears when accelerating! Which would be continu to vibrate if it was a problematic coil!!

For the plugs, I have no idea and never cheked mine (~36K) But I think I'll change mine at 60K!!
Maybe you can have one damaged who knows!!

Just to make sure: Make verifie your alternator! Low voltage could me the problem too!! Maybe the simpler way to start!!

12-16-2003, 08:32 AM

MNMaxi

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What's the easiest way to check the alternator / voltage? Does Autozone do that? I've heard they test batteries for free, what about alternators? Is it something I can do myself real easy?

12-16-2003, 11:30 AM

Maxpat82

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Pretty sure Autozone can do it!! Don't have Autozone in quebec so cannot help you that much!!

There's a nice small place near me where they check it for free! (I've always bring only the alternator though)

But pretty sure Autozone can check it while on the car!!

I don't have an idea how to check it myself except the fact that it must produce ~14,5V, but which wires to pick it :