Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated...

I threw a 130 amp alternator on my truck that I bought online. Mine came with a 105 AMP alternator. I threw it in correctly without damaging anything and even put the appropriate belt on to match. (the 130 amp alternators need a slightly bigger belt I guess) So everything went fine, drove it around town with no problems. Then I get on the highway at night and I notice my lights flicker randomly as I drive. They dim like the truck was shut off then get bright again, for like a split second while I am driving. So I called their tech support and they didn't know what was wrong so they sent a new alternator. I threw that one in and I had no problems at first. Then I ran it on the highway lastnight and the same thing happened. This time not as bad as before. Then this morning I noticed my voltometer twitching while driving but it stopped when I was sitting at a red light. I would drive and it would twitch again.

Here is what I noticed:
* Happens only when driving
* Flickers randomly despite engine RPM and load on electrical system
* Both alternators are brand new, but look slightly different from the AC Delco alternator.
* Seems to be non-existent at low speeds (and engine RPMs)
* There is one wire only in the wiring harness connected to the top on the alternator. Would this have something to do with it?
* Power wire hooked up correctly.
* When I put my stock alternator back on the problem goes away completely.

So am I getting sh*t alternators form these guys or is the 130 amps screwing with my electrical system?

Thanks in advance!

 

I swapped the alternators pretty damn quick. A coworker suggested leaving the battery disconnected for 15 minutes to let the computer reset. I'll going to try this after lunch.

 

I reset the computer, no change. I swapped out the 8G wire for a 6G wire feeding the battery. No more wiggling volometer but I still have flickering lights. Any ideas? Prob just have a POS alternator.

 

Sure you don't have a loose or broken wire or something somewhere?

 

I know this to be true with the newest trucks, they say that the alternators are only kicking on when the truck actually needs it. SO when the truck doesn't NEED the charge it doesn't charge. Rather than maintaining a full charge like most alternators do.

As far as your alternator, you could change back to the stock and ditch the new one, or you could try and find the problem. I would say that the problem is not with your truck per say, it is more likely the new alternators regulator, that is what keeps the alternator from over charging your electrical system. I would say that the generator is being told to stop charging becouse of the batterys condition and in turn you are seeing the split second change in the charging condition. That's what I would say about it. To fix it, get a different regulator that will fit in that alternator. One that is similare in design with the AC Delco.

Have fun finding the problem!

 

I loose my *** on shipping but I am going to return the alternator (well both of them). I don't feel like pissing with it anymore now that its getting cold outside.

It almost seems like its kicking in WAY too much. Like if I am cruising at night at 70 MPH, heat on low (not defrost), stereo down low, only the headlights running, my headlights should not randomly flicker, not only at different speeds (high....low....high.low.high..................... ......................low...high), but at different brightnesses, like every once in awhile it will get REAL low for a split second like I am flashing my high beams on and off or something.

F*ck it. Its junk. I'll get a better one after X-Mas.

 

Fixed one today! If you have a 4 wire connector for the alternator the 4th hole is empty terminal D. It usually has a red plug in it. Ran a 18 gauge wire from this to the bolt on back of the alternator, were the stud is for the battery wire. This is a service bulletin from 1999-2005 without regulated voltage control. pm if you want a copy.