Alternator??

1. saxovtr16 L-plater Joined: Feb 2009 Workington Posts: 77 Saxo Mk2 Vtr

   #1 8th February 2010, 13:05

   Hi, small problem i suppose, but when the car is running sometimes all the lights on the car flicker slightly, they dim a bit then go back to normal every few seconds, now this problem may be the power steering pump as sometimes it doesn't fire up and when it does you can hear it stopping and starting in conjunction with the lights flickering. it could just be the power steering pump draining the alternator power when trying to get going?
   
   sometimes the power steering pump works fine sometimes it doesn't and requires a twat, also would it fail MOT if powern steering is doing this, got one coming soon.
   
   taaaa
2. saxovtr16 L-plater Joined: Feb 2009 Workington Posts: 77 Saxo Mk2 Vtr

   #2 8th February 2010, 13:06

   doesn't always flicker either btw, jsut seems to when the power sterring pump is playing up.
3. Stevo123 Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Redcar Posts: 1971 2000 Posi Blue vtr

   #3 8th February 2010, 14:32

   If your on idle speed especialy, at aprox 850rpm, and suddenly an extra electrical load is applied, in your case PAS pump then you will get avoltage drop which will dim your lights a bit.
   
   Also if the idle is not smooth (ie ICV valve needs cleaning) and revs drop to 500rpm ish then the alternator will not be spinning fast enough to create the power needed and you will ge tthe same effect.
   
   I notice on night driving with lights on that if I use the electric windows it pulls the voltage down enough to dim my lights a bit.