'94 Protege Dashlight/Headlamp Flicker

[Teltech]

Hi Guys,

I have a 1994 Mazda Protege and I recently had my alternator go out on me, it had a short in it which drew 12v while the car was turned off. As a result I needed a new battery as well.

After the new alternator was installed my headlamps/dashlights started to flicker. Most noticibly while sitting at a stop light. but it also happens sometimes while I'm driving. It will go away for alittle while but it comes back. I went back to the mechanic's and got them to replace my alternator (it was under full warranty) and the same thing is happening.

It's most noticeable at low rpm and it almost seems like the engine wants to cut out, but it never has. Do you think this problem is related to the alternator/battery? or perhaps a Fuel pump...

Personally I thought it might be improper grounding coming off of the alternator/battery. or the Voltage Regulator.

Does anyone have any ideas/know if this is a serious issue before I send this into the mechanics and dish out more $$$?

Thanks,

G

[BlueMonsta]

I know old protege tend to have shitty electric wires, u want want to check that but I doubt thats the reason. check the voltage/amp from the batt? and maybe the alternator is too small.


my alternator died on my 1991 protege but nothing like this happened to me.

edit: u running anything that requires electrcity? e.g. gps, non-stock sound system

[Teltech]

I know old protege tend to have shitty electric wires, u want want to check that but I doubt thats the reason. check the voltage/amp from the batt? and maybe the alternator is too small.


my alternator died on my 1991 protege but nothing like this happened to me.

edit: u running anything that requires electrcity? e.g. gps, non-stock sound system

They did a VRA test (voltage/resistant/amperage) test and everything was putting out nominal results. This would lead me to believe the alternator has the appropriate capacity.

As far as your side note, I'm not running anything that should draw more electricity. It still has it's old stock radio and I have nothing plugged into the cigarette lighter outlet. I did check the cigarette lighter and it's all green and oxidized.... I don't think that would cause this though.

I also noticed today when I was coasting down my road I jerked the steering wheel left/right (to get a rock from out of my tires) and every time I turned it left there was a "knock" coming from what seemed around/below the steering column. The alternator is on the other side of the vehicle, but I was curious as to whether or not it was a loose wire. I took a look under the hood and found nothing loose/that would cause that sound.

*shrug*. I guess I'll ride it until it dies. I bought the car off my aunt who had used it only for short distances to the grocery store/work. It had 70k on it. Since last september It's now sitting at 99k. I guess that kinda mileage will cause some wear and tear on ol' betsy.