Grounding Issues (I think?)
#1
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Granville, Ohio ~NEBF '07 Survivor~
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![petraman is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
So lately, whenever I idle, my interior lights dim, and when I start going again, they light back up. Besides being a conversation starter, it'* been getting on my nerves lately, and I mentioned it to a few at the Boosty tranny mini meet. I forget who said it, but someone mentioned a bad ground. So, I hate to sound misinformed, but where is the ground? I'm assuming it'* just a thin black wire that'* easy to move, so I just move it somewhere else? Also, just curious, but could a bad-ish alternator (bent fan, worn bearings) be to blame? Thanks a bunch, BC, you guys rock!
#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Rochester, NY (college)
Posts: 6,182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![corvettecrazy is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
It could be a bad ground around the battery. (battery to chassis) or even engine to chassis. It could be the grounds for the interior lights itself.
I would suggest checking the ground buss that everyone talks about and the ground cable for the battery. While you are under the hood check and clean the positive cable(*) as well
I would suggest checking the ground buss that everyone talks about and the ground cable for the battery. While you are under the hood check and clean the positive cable(*) as well
#4
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northern West Virginia
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![rustedmetal86 is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The ground bus (and how to clean it) is shown in this techinfo article:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=102
Also try cleaning both battery post contacts, as well as the positive line off your alternator.
Another idea would be to take the alternator in to a local parts store that has a free alternator test
Hope this helps
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=102
Also try cleaning both battery post contacts, as well as the positive line off your alternator.
Another idea would be to take the alternator in to a local parts store that has a free alternator test
Hope this helps
![Smile](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
#5
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Most autoparts stores (around here at least) can test the alternator for you with it still on the car. Although I would think if it was a bad alt you'd see a drop in your voltmeter, no?
#6
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: deep woods of SE North Carolina
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Ramsrule is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Jack
Although I would think if it was a bad alt you'd see a drop in your voltmeter, no?
![Cool](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
#7
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Granville, Ohio ~NEBF '07 Survivor~
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![petraman is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yeah, I read that tech info article, but it didn't mention anything about my lights dimming, but it would explain my very hyper and over reaching oil pressure gauge.
#9
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Somewhere different on the globe every month....
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Cheetah is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Your lights dimming with a corresponding engine speed leads me to think that the alternator may be on it'* way out.
You say interior lights - the lights on the dash or the overhead lights? I can't see you using the overhead lights while driving
How much electrical stuff do you have on when the lights are dimming? Fans, high beams, fog lights, rear deforst (big drain device), ect...
IF it is your alternator, step up and get the 140 Amper
You say interior lights - the lights on the dash or the overhead lights? I can't see you using the overhead lights while driving
![Laughing](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
How much electrical stuff do you have on when the lights are dimming? Fans, high beams, fog lights, rear deforst (big drain device), ect...
IF it is your alternator, step up and get the 140 Amper
![Twisted Evil](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif)
#10
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Somewhere different on the globe every month....
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Cheetah is on a distinguished road](https://www.gmforum.com/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That ground is under the dr. side, under the floor mat, drivers seat. There is a picture of it floating around somewhere here :?