Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 15:01:46

Title: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 15:01:46
Hi all,as said.Is this bad earth or alternator.TIA Dean :y
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 January 2014, 15:06:56
Starter for 10

Flat battery. But ignore me I'm shite with electrics.
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 15:22:38
Starter for 10

Flat battery. But ignore me I'm shite with electrics.
Hi Chris,fully charged battery last night,went to asda today.Sitting at traffic lights dash lights flickering,how much for a new alternator.Dean
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Andy B on 05 January 2014, 15:34:59
Starter for 10

Flat battery. But ignore me I'm shite with electrics.
Hi Chris,fully charged battery last night,went to asda today.Sitting at traffic lights dash lights flickering,how much for a new alternator.Dean

Have alook at your existing alternator first  ;) http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90512.0
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 15:46:18
Starter for 10

Flat battery. But ignore me I'm shite with electrics.
Hi Chris,fully charged battery last night,went to asda today.Sitting at traffic lights dash lights flickering,how much for a new alternator.Dean

Have alook at your existing alternator first  ;) http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90512.0
Thanks andy,but i dont think i am up to takeing it off and inspecting.Would it be cheaper and easyer to just change it mate.Dean
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2014, 15:52:05
Are your heated seats On?

I find they cause the dash lights to flicker as the element cycles on and off.
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Andy B on 05 January 2014, 15:52:47
....Thanks andy,but i dont think i am up to takeing it off and inspecting.Would it be cheaper and easyer to just change it mate.Dean

I can't see thee being much difference in cost between a repair to your & A N Other ...... but do you know the 'new' one will be any better?  ;)  ;)

I'm sure that someone here will be able to fix you up with a known to be OK alternator for not much ..... but it'll still need fitting.  ;)
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 15:59:42
Are your heated seats On?

I find they cause the dash lights to flicker as the element cycles on and off.
Hi Kevin,no mate just the heater blower on.And when i got home i turned it off but still had the flickering.dean :y
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 16:04:44
....Thanks andy,but i dont think i am up to takeing it off and inspecting.Would it be cheaper and easyer to just change it mate.Dean

I can't see thee being much difference in cost between a repair to your & A N Other ...... but do you know the 'new' one will be any better?  ;)  ;)

I'm sure that someone here will be able to fix you up with a known to be OK alternator for not much ..... but it'll still need fitting.  ;)
Well Andy,it looks like my best bet is to buy a brand new one.And get someone to fit it,at least it would be on thing eliminated. :y
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2014, 16:32:43
The best thing to do would be some diagnosis first. It could well just be a loose connection. The crimps on the battery terminals are a favourite.
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 16:41:26
The best thing to do would be some diagnosis first. It could well just be a loose connection. The crimps on the battery terminals are a favourite.
You may well be right Kevin.But i have tightened the crimps but they do look worn.What about earthing problems,or am i talking out of my bum. :y Dean
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 January 2014, 16:43:16
...and check the earth strap?.... by the radiator drain, they can rot through sitting in water on the drip tray.

Kev has fine a very good diagnosis guide in maintenance for battery and alternator, with a meter.

Ime the 2.5 and 3.0 are quick to throw the warning light on if the alternator plays up. Its worth further investigation of the simple things like connections first. :)
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 17:01:59
...and check the earth strap?.... by the radiator drain, they can rot through sitting in water on the drip tray.

Kev has fine a very good diagnosis guide in maintenance for battery and alternator, with a meter.

Ime the 2.5 and 3.0 are quick to throw the warning light on if the alternator plays up. Its worth further investigation of the simple things like connections first. :)
Thanks for the reply chris,what warning light would show up for alternator,as none on at the moment.Also where is this earth strap you talk of mate. :y
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 January 2014, 17:08:31
...and check the earth strap?.... by the radiator drain, they can rot through sitting in water on the drip tray.

Kev has fine a very good diagnosis guide in maintenance for battery and alternator, with a meter.

Ime the 2.5 and 3.0 are quick to throw the warning light on if the alternator plays up. Its worth further investigation of the simple things like connections first. :)
Thanks for the reply chris,what warning light would show up for alternator,as none on at the moment.Also where is this earth strap you talk of mate. :y
The alternator warning light on the dash.

As said, earth strap, is down by the the radiator coolant drain. You need to stand by the battery, then look up from under the bumper. You'll see a braided steal strap, it sometimes rots through.
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 05 January 2014, 17:45:28
...and check the earth strap?.... by the radiator drain, they can rot through sitting in water on the drip tray.

Kev has fine a very good diagnosis guide in maintenance for battery and alternator, with a meter.

Ime the 2.5 and 3.0 are quick to throw the warning light on if the alternator plays up. Its worth further investigation of the simple things like connections first. :)
Thanks for the reply chris,what warning light would show up for alternator,as none on at the moment.Also where is this earth strap you talk of mate. :y
The alternator warning light on the dash.

As said, earth strap, is down by the the radiator coolant drain. You need to stand by the battery, then look up from under the bumper. You'll see a braided steal strap, it sometimes rots through.
Sorry mate i didn't know there was an alternator warning light,i have seen the braided strap.Will check tomorrow any other advice welcome.Dean
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Andy B on 05 January 2014, 19:10:55
The alternator/charge light used to glow very slighty on occassion on my car. Crimping the positive cable terminal cured it ...... but I was able to borrow a pair of large crimp pliers from work.  ;)
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2014, 20:57:50
Might be worth trying the steps in the guide here:

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90619.0 (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90619.0)
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: moggy on 11 January 2014, 17:24:49
Hi all,just to let you know.I did all the tests on the battery,as per guide and as KW suggested.The results were 12.56v with engine off,14.45 with engine running at idle.So that means to me battery good chargeing good.But i still have the flicker, any other suggestions much apreciated.Dean :y
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Fiona on 13 January 2014, 11:44:12
Slightly related, I have noticed that when I turn on my rear screen heater there is a loud enough click coming from the dash and my dash lights and headlights dim?
Any ideas?
Title: Re: Dash and headlights flickering at idle
Post by: Webby the Bear on 13 January 2014, 14:14:00
Hi,

Before you condemn the alternator look at your battery first. It could well turn out to be a duff alternator but a load test of the battery first would be my first avenue.

Then follow Kev's guide on checking the alternator.

If you prefer to see how to visually check all these areas Youtube 'Eric the Car Guy' alternator diagnosis.

:)