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Alternator or Volt. reg?

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    #1

    Alternator or Volt. reg?

    My car used to flicker at night, when the headlights were on @ first start up...one little rev=gone.

    Tonight, I got in it and it's blinking/dimming (brighter to darker, and vice versa) like I'm in a John Travolta movie.

    Somewhat changes when I fool with heater controls, and rear defrost (draw the most load)...

    Alt. belt is also at the end of the bracket,so I need a alt. belt regardless...actually have it, just haven't replaced old one yet. Anyway, just wondering if any had similiar things happen when volt. regulator went out?===If I can just replace the volt. reg, do the bushings come attached to it (pre soldered?)

    Also will the volt. reg. that bmpdesign sells, and claims to work===REALLy work (Part Number 5846) just a different, rectangular housing?.

    BTW, my car is a 1991 318is. Takes the valeo 105 amp style regulator.
    Thanks in advance, and I really appreciate any useful leads and/or answers.

    :evil:
    Tags: None
    #2
    Did you try measuring output across the leads on the voltage regulator or alternator with a multimeter? Try measuring it under load when it first starts up and then after it warms up after a short drive.

    IIRC, the E30 charging system should operate between 13.5 to 14.2 volts with no load.

    Else try cleaning the terminals if they are corroded. Checking the ground strap is also a good idea.
    looking for an E30 318is

    Comment

      #3
      I'm having a similar problem in my 1990 325is. All my lights flicker. It does ot at idle on up to around 2700 RPMs then goes away once more voltage is made. What is the diagnosis? Electrical problems scare me :? :|

      ABE

      Comment

        #4
        Check the volts between the battery terminals. My car had flickering lights like you described. At times they would pulse and almost put you to sleep. I replaced the voltage regulator and all was fine.


        Nick

        Comment

          #5
          It's your voltage regulator - replace it. BMP might be advertising the bosch unit, the Valeo part is about 3x the price.

          -Charlie
          Swing wild, brake later, don't apologize.
          '89 324d, '76 02, '98 318ti, '03 Z4, '07 MCS, '07 F800s - Bonafide BMW elitist prick.
          FYYFF

          Comment

            #6
            Not fixed-----FuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuGGGG!

            Today, I was taking my bro. to O'Reilys of all places and it started doing it when I started the car. I about lost it....

            So I took the battery out, sanded and wire-brushed the terminals. Disconnected the engine ground strap, held it on the wire wheel, and reinstalled it. Disconnected ALL of the grounds I could find, and sanded them and reattached them...still doing it after all of that today.

            I made a few calls today to find out exactly what my alternator is for via the part numbers, it's for 92-98 318is or 328ti, AN E36! Same engine (M42), and voltage is 105 of the current alternator I have....so it should work for my engine as well....

            I dont know what to do or check now---it's just pulsating @ idle, and irratic throughout the rpm range. The more of a load, the more it does it. Also does it when the car is running, and battery is disconnected....leading me to volt. regulator---?? And I'll need the voltage regulator for that particular alternator, correct? Thanks for the heads up Charlie.
            Have you had a similar situation???

            But I dont understand why cleaning the battery, fixed it for about a day and then started doing it again??


            Thx.

            Comment

              #7
              Just ordered the voltage regulator, we'll see if that fixes it.

              Comment

                #8
                Yes, I had this happen on my M20, and on a friend's M42. It was the voltage regulator both times.

                -Charlie
                Swing wild, brake later, don't apologize.
                '89 324d, '76 02, '98 318ti, '03 Z4, '07 MCS, '07 F800s - Bonafide BMW elitist prick.
                FYYFF

                Comment

                  #9
                  Alright, hopefully this is it then.

                  thanks again.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    FIXED!

                    Thanks---volt. regulator fixed it.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Glad to hear its working again.



                      Nick

                      Comment

                        #12
                        where is the volt regulator located at I think I need to replace mine as well

                        I've always been proud of being a Marine.
                        I won't hesitate to defend the Corps
                        "Supersquad"

                        ‎"Prostitutes are a sub-category of Amusement Parks"-

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Talk about coincidence that this ancient thread would be bumped... my dome lights just started flickering slightly last night. Might need to look into replacing the regulator


                          91 318is

                          Comment

                            #14
                            The voltage reg is only replaceable if you have the bosch alternator, you just need a new alternator if you have the valeo one. I made the mistake of buying a voltage reg when I had the valeo alternator. I had these same issues and it fixed it.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Originally posted by franco90 View Post
                              where is the volt regulator located at I think I need to replace mine as well
                              bolted to the back-side of the alternater w two little screws
                              1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

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