flickering lights

[jc69rt]

I need some help PLEASE! I have all new wiring harnesses including the dash harness from Year One on my 69 Charger. I have upgraded to the later square back 78 amp alternator with electronic regulator. My problem is the lights all flicker dim to bright especially at idle, the ammeter also fluctuates a lot, up to 40 amp briefly with lights, stereo and maybe brake lights on, while at cruising speed it is much more steady. Good grounds and connections, battery charges just fine. Are these just characteristics of these old systems or what? I'm considering the Denso upgrade that Mancini and 440 source sell, thinking it is an alternator or regulator problem.I'm a leery of the cheap looking bolt on regulator Power Master uses on their one wire units. I'm not necessarily wanting to go to a one wire alternator, but if that's the fix, I'm not against it either. I've read so many things about cheap rebuilt alternators and Chinese made regulators, I'm kind of at a loss. I have tried different alternators and changed the regulator to no avail; that being said, I'm afraid its pointing to a wiring problem somewhere. Your help and 2-cents worth are appreciated and I'll report my findings once I get it figured out, I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue, Thanks!

 

[eagleone1983]

I don't know the answer to your questions but I did the denso alternator upgrade and my electrical system is spot on. I have no dimming at all. I used the bracket kit that AR Engineering sells and the pigtail. Then just go to your local auto store and get the 210-0106 alternator. You'll remove the voltage regulator off the firewall since this upgraded alt is internally regulated. There will also be a little wire work. If you need any reference pics or help at all; I'm actually scheduled to go to ft worth at the Lockheed plant in a couple weeks. I won't be there long but maybe I could help out.

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oh and mostly dimming is caused from crap grounds. So if you didn't clean the grounds well when you installed the new harnesses you'll want to do that.

 

[67 coronet]

most common cause is a loose or bad eng ground strap.make sure both ends are tight and clean of any paint under them.

 

[65-440]

Had the same possible on my dart. Excessive voltage drop on the ignition harness. Contacted Mark at madelectrical.com, did his amp gauge bypass. Works wonders! I had several issues all at the same time. I would recommend taking your alternator to a repair shop if you have one near you and have them test the unit. Have you checked your running charge voltage at the battery with no loads on? Also check your ignition voltage going into the voltage regulator, if this is not correct it will cause issues.