96 RR HS
I have noticed for a while now that my inside message center, interior, and headlights have a slight flicker. They never actually go completely out, but now my HVAC unit screen goes blank and all buttons turn off??? When this occurs the entire heat/air con shuts off (motors and all) and comes back on shortly after. I do notice that my headlights are flickering alot and I don't know how to fix this electrical problem. Another strange thing is that when the key is in the ON position (car not running)ALL the lights work fine, but about 3 sec after turning on the vehiclethe lights flickering begins. Im no mechanic, but I think the problem might be related to something running with the vehicle on???The following are some items that I have done to troubleshoot:
[ul][*]Had bought a replacement HVAC unit and swapped them out and problem still occurred.[*]Began to pull a whole bunch of fuses (1 at a time) and tried starting the vehicle to see if I could crack down on a certain problem... still no change in the flickering lights.[/ul]

More info...
I did havea problem with the vehicle draining a brand new batter within a month, but haven't had any more problems with it... I took the alternator in to get it tested and they said it was good. So I changed the serpentine belt and havent had anything come up.

ANY INFO WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED... WINTER IS COMING AND I NEED THE HEATING SYSTEM TO STAY ON WHEN I DO NEED IT! Taking it to a dealer/mech to find the electrical problem will probably be really EXPENSIVE, so any info would be apprecieated.

Thanks in advance

 

Have you tried pulling the relay that controls the heating system? Also, how was your alt. tested? It definitley sounds as if you are getting a heavy draw and an automatic breaker is doing its job by shutting the power off then resetting giving that flickering. I would continue with isolating each relay one at a time. I hate those elect gremlins.

 

Will try pulling this relay today and let you know. When I had the alternator tested 2 of 3 parts stores had trouble testing the alt because they said they usually hadn't seen that style of alt??? AutoZone checked it said that it was working...it didn't give a ready out... just a GOOD! Like I said in my initial message about the problem only happening when the vehicle is running.

 

it sounds like you need a alt. not that it isnt charging, which is probably what was checked, but the rectifyers inside it, they are what turn the a/c voltage that your alt normally produces into a nice steady flow of d/c that your car can use, they go bad and youre essentially turning the power on and off and reversing it very quickly, itll cause a flicker. its a standard bosch alt so you should be able to find a replacement rectifyer, also called a diode pack

 

Thanks for the help guys... I will be picking up an alternator this weekend hopefully. Where could I find a good price on an alternator?

I checked my local autozone and they sell their DURALAST Brand alt, but would it be best to go with a BOSCH?? I also found a shop called ALL FOREIGN and they had a Beck Arnely for $200... let me know what guys think about which type of alt to go with.

 

bosch. the electrical systems are touchy to say the least, get what it takes... have you checked on getting just a diode pack? itll be much cheaper

 

Having some trouble finding the diode packs and I think it would be easier to just replace the alterntor... I found this BOSCH online http://www.car-stuff.com/landroveralternator.htmseems like good deal. What do you think? Or where would you get your parts from? My local autoparts stores dont carry BOSCH. Another question do I need a 100 amp or 120 amp? The website shows 2 for a 96 RR 4.0?