for some reason my head lgihts dim and them come back to normal light when i step on the brakes...would redoing my grounds with thicker/better wires/connectors help this?

 

that's because the brake lights draw electricity. I had that problem and it was a bad alternator. it was rated at 70 amps but it only tested at like 40. even though I got 14 volts at the battery, as soon as I turned something on it would drop. if I was to run the headlights and the heater, the battery would die with the engine running. I'd have someone check the charging system. auto zone has a load tester we use to check an alternator's maximum output. I think maxima alternators are rated at 90 amps. how far does the voltmeter drop when you hit the brakes?

 

well actually let me clarify that a little.... if you hit the brakes and the lights go dim, then get brighter within a second or two, I wouldn't worry about it. you've got 5 light bulbs in the back of your car that come on all at the same time with the brakes that put a sudden electrical draw on the system. the regulator senses the voltage drop and energizes the alternator field to compensate for it. it takes a second or two for the voltage to come back up, and that's why the lights get brighter.

if they stayed dim until you released the brakes, I'd suspect a charging problem. you can check the regulator harness at the alternator if you want. the thicker wire is for the "sense", which is how the regulator senses the voltage and knows how often to "kick on" the alternator field to produce current. (the field is not always energized.) the thin wire is for the little battery symbol on your dash. make sure you have a clean connection there. if the sense lead is not connected, the alternator doesn't charge.

 

Yes blackmax you are correct: our alternators should be 90 amps, and most auto parts stores will test the alternator for free off the vehicle.

 

You might also want to check your battery terminal connections and make sure they aren't corroded or anything. That can cause poor charging and cause the same situation.

S

 

they arent corroded how ever its time for new ones, the are kinda streched out so i have to strip copper wires bare and clamp it in there to get it to stay on, getting new ones soon...

yea they go dim but then come back up in a seccond but they havent done it before, i am going top redo all the grounds any way, i'm bored and its a cheap improvement.

i'll get the alternator tested, the volt meter doesent drop at all unless i am using every available electric utility, that includes moving the seats constantly too...but it wouldnt suprise me if it were bad again, i've replaced it twice in one year but i got the lifetime warranty and the recipt is in the car.