Electrical Probem... 2001 L200

bryongatchek · 02-16-2008, 11:27 AM

Driving home last night my dash lights started dimming, then they came back bright as ever. Then they started dimming again and came back bright as ever. This went on for about twenty minutes until finally all the lights went out. I started to make my way towards autozone and then the lights came on again.

I went to autozone anyways. they tested my battery and said it was good. I just replaced the alternator in october. However, I had to have the car jumpstarted. I drove home (about forty-five) more minutes with no issues. However, when I got home I shut the car off and tried to start it again and the battery was dead, again.

I'm still not convinced its NOT the battery, but the test said it was ok, just wasnt holding a charge. I've heard a couple people complain about a bad ground, is that possible? Please help!

**Ssicarman** · 02-16-2008, 04:38 PM

Welcome to the Board.

Engine?

My initial thought is the alt or the belt tensioner.
I would lean more to the tensioner at this point. Don't rule out the alt just because it is fairly new though. Check the wiring to and from the alt. Check the battery as well to see if at any time it has leaked acid into the positive cable and corroded it.

bryongatchek · 02-16-2008, 06:38 PM

I thought about the tensioner, the belt seemed tight to the touch, but maybe not enough. when i changed the alternator i couldnt figure out how to adjust the tensioner so i just left it the way it was.

is there a way to adjust the tensioner in that car without a special wrench?

02-16-2008, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
bryongatchek Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	Electrical Probem... 2001 L200 Driving home last night my dash lights started dimming, then they came back bright as ever. Then they started dimming again and came back bright as ever. This went on for about twenty minutes until finally all the lights went out. I started to make my way towards autozone and then the lights came on again. I went to autozone anyways. they tested my battery and said it was good. I just replaced the alternator in october. However, I had to have the car jumpstarted. I drove home (about forty-five) more minutes with no issues. However, when I got home I shut the car off and tried to start it again and the battery was dead, again. I'm still not convinced its NOT the battery, but the test said it was ok, just wasnt holding a charge. I've heard a couple people complain about a bad ground, is that possible? Please help!

02-16-2008, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ssicarman Community Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 3,377 My Photos: 6 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Online	Welcome to the Board. Engine? My initial thought is the alt or the belt tensioner. I would lean more to the tensioner at this point. Don't rule out the alt just because it is fairly new though. Check the wiring to and from the alt. Check the battery as well to see if at any time it has leaked acid into the positive cable and corroded it. __________________ A lousy day in Paradise is still a day in Paradise.

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02-16-2008, 06:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
bryongatchek Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	I thought about the tensioner, the belt seemed tight to the touch, but maybe not enough. when i changed the alternator i couldnt figure out how to adjust the tensioner so i just left it the way it was. is there a way to adjust the tensioner in that car without a special wrench?