Problem: Lights Dim at idle

[minchman]

I have a 99 Solara SE V6 with 90k miles. Please help me diagnose this problem. When I was stopped at a red light, I noticed that all my interior lights and headlights would flicker on and off (significantly). I do have a sound system installed, but the flickering was independent from the music. Here's the strange thing. Later that night, I hit a pot hole pretty hard, jolted the car, and the flickering problem STOPPED. This was frustrating because I've taken the car to the dealer to have it checked out, and they were not able to reproduce the problem. I've done some research, and first thought the problem was the alternator. But the dealer said the alternator (charging system) is functional. Do you guys have any suggestions as to what's going on? My warranty is about to expire, and it would be great if they can get this issue fixed under the warranty. Thanks for your advice in advance.

[Nyyankees3511]

It most likely is the alternator, it could be the battery, check the connections.

[onefiend]

My car does this as well. Flickering lights, I think it's my battery or could be the alternator. I have 78,000 miles.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

go to autozone, have them re-check your battery and your alternator. To me the problem seems to be alternator.

[minchman]

thanks guys!

i think it's the alternator too. but since the problem doesn't exist anymore, i can't prove it happened. but why would a sudden bump fix it?

[Nyyankees3511]

Im guessing inside the alternator is a thing that makes a connection between the rotating device and the alternator, theres like 2 of them and over time they wear out, they contain a spring and if it wasnt making a connection and you hit the bump it might of loosened up and started to make a connection. Sorry this might be confusing ill try and get some pics.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl= ... l%26sa%3DN
there you go,go to the second set of pics, they are called brushes, those things wear over time from friction, they are spring loaded and your might have worn out and it didnt adjust, when you hit the bump it made it adjust.

[camry_101]

i got the same problem but with my intake it sometimes turns of when im sitting at a light i think i need a bigger battery also some my car doesnt start either i got everything checked battery alternator exc

[Nodrogkam]

my car's lights still dimmed at idle with a brand new 'upgraded' battery. alternator etc all tested out fine. But its not flickering or anything like you guys. But all electronics including wipers, slow down when im idle.
pretty wierd stuff i gotta say.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Damn... I got the exact same problem! It dims just the slightest bit, but is back at full intensity when I put it in neutral and rev it (but dims back down). I have a new Duralast Gold battery and AutoZone said it was just fine.

~~BUMP~~