carlson03

So I have a 260E, when the car is idling, and I have my door open, the dome light dims, this is very noticeable in the dark. If headlights are on, does the same thing. It does this until I rev up the engine. No matter if I have every accessory off or on, it still does this. I just replaced the OVP to fix other problems, but this still persists. I took the car up to Auto Zone to have them test the battery and charging, they said that it was good. I wasn't sure if the voltage regulator would be causing a problem or something else?

Thanks for any help,
Craig

shadowgriffen

Could very well be the voltage regulator.

carlson03

I think that I might just order the voltage regulator since its not too expensive from autohausaz.com.
Thanks!

carlson03

Also, I went to AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, both tested that my alternator was kicking out 51amps of power. At AutoZone, they said to replace it, and at Advance Auto Parts, they said it should be fine...so I don't know exactly what to do. Car seems to be running fine, besides the dimming (and cruise)

ZorroAMG

I believe our altenators are 90 amp...51 is weak!

carlson03

so is the only way to fix that to replace the whole thing? or do you think that the voltage regulator could be messed up and not letting it get the full power flow?

ZorroAMG

If it's the factory unit, REPLACE IT for sure.....otherwise if its a couple years old, it may be other things...

carlson03

yeah, its only about 2 years old....I don't know what else could cause this, any ideas?

shadowgriffen

Here's what you do

1. Turn the car on
2. discconect battery cables while car is on
3. If it dies, then buy a new alternator, if it doesnt try voltage regulator and go from there.

do you have a "el CHEAPO" battery? Could also play a role.

carlson03

its a sears diehard....not sure if its considered "el cheapo", costed a lot haha
I will try what you say by disconnecting the battery cables

carlson03

so I had my car running, unplgued the battery cables and it continued to run....does this mean that my problem could still be my voltage regulator?

carlson03

also, I just ran a power test across the battery, and at 2000 rpms, the votage was at 14.1 volts....so does this rule out the possibility of the voltage regulator being faulty?
Thanks for you help!

shdoug

I have heard that a battery is a battery is a battery (different sizes, of course)
and that what you're paying for is the warranty. Most conventional automotive batteries in moderate environments last about 4 years. In tropical climates they last about 1-2 years.

shadowgriffen

I thought the same exact thing, till my 130 dollar battery from Autozone died 4 months into purchase, TWICE!

carlson03

so do you have any idea what could be causing my problem?

shadowgriffen

How does your lower Alternator harness look? Is it in good shape? Mine was crapped out and was causing all sorts of electircal problems (radio staying on all night, conrer lights staying on without me leaving them on ETC ETC...)

??

carlson03

the harness looks pretty good...

carlson03

so I wasn't sure if anyone thought of an idea yet....but I did notice today that the lights still dim while I am driving at high RPMS....not sure if that helps
Thanks

shdoug

Did you replace anything yet? If it were me, I'd replace the alternator or just drive it until it goes out completely. Then it will be easier to troubleshoot.