How Do You Fix Flickering Vehicle Lights?
Automotive electrical systems have grown more complex over the years, but the basic principles behind them are similar. The alternator or generator will power the car while recharging the battery at the same time. A common problem with some systems is the tendency to “strobe,” or make the lights flicker. Diagnosing the problem could take the backyard mechanic a few minutes, fixing it could take up to an hour. Fixing flickering lights in an automobile Step 1 Check the alternator/generator with a voltmeter. The most common reason for flickering lights is a worn out alternator, as one of the three rotating plates that generate electricity wears out. So as the unit hits the “dead spot,” the power wanes, causing the lights to flicker. The voltage should be over 13, ideally over 14 volts. Automotive parts shops will likely have a machine to test the alternator for free. Replace the alternator if it fails to produce more than 13 volts, or tests bad. Most alternators since the 1970s have inter
