Lights are pulsing and one directional blinks rapid, alternator or ground?

[clydesdale]

Even if I have the rpm up to 2k, the lights pulse. So I thought it may be the alternator or voltage regulator. But, also the front right directional blinks rapid and I can't figure out why. All the bulbs are fine. Any idea on how to diagnose the cause?
I plan to get the voltage reading at idle and at 2k. Aside from that, not sure how to sort this out. Any idea?

[NoM54me]

The fast-blinking turn signal is caused by corrosion on the connector behind the turn signal housing, in the bumper. My guess for pulsing lights would be voltage regulator.

[clydesdale]

I just checked the voltage at the battery. It is 12.5 with the car off. With the car running it is 15.4-15.8, with a spike or two to 16.0. This is using a harbor freight digital multimeter. When I rev it to 2k the voltage drops to 14.9-15.3.

What do you think. BTW, if it is the voltage regulator, how long can I run it like this? What could happen. It is too cold to fix this today.

[clydesdale]

Nom54me, where is this connector? I remove the yellow lense cover in the diving board bumper and where will I find the connector? Do I need to remove the socket that the bulb is in? I'm not lazy, it is just friggin freezing and I would much rather know what I am looking for than poking around under the car. Thanks man!!

BTW, can I replace the regulator while the alternator is still in the car? I believe it is a bosch alternator. The car is an 87 325is.

[clydesdale]

Ok, I remembered that the connector is accessible under the hood. Sure enough, if I press or move the connector the right way, the directional works well. What I don't get is that there are 2 blade terminals on the light socket and 3 wires on the harness. Do two of the wires go to just one blade in the harness? Do I need to hack open the harness and see what got corroded or disconnected? I tried removing the harness and re-attaching several times, in the hopes that it was just a corroded connection. That did not succeed. So, do I need to hack open the connector?

[NoM54me]

You can easily replace the voltage regulator with the alternator still in the car. The turn signal has three wires, presumably because of the blinking intermittent function of the turn signal vs parking lights. The easiest way to "fix" it is to spray some De-Oxit cleaner onto the connector and the terminals. Worst-case scenario is to replace the turn signal housing and connector.

[2002jm]

question for you

Are you saying both driver's side front and back are blinking fast? If just the front is blinking that means the rear is out. If both are blinking should be bad connections at one or both housings.
jm

[clydesdale]

Only the front is blinking fast, but if I mess with the connector at the front light, the blinking goes back to the normal speed.