lighting is surging

[87grand]

When I turn on headlights they surge (do not stay steady brightness) also the clock in the dash surges as well when headlight off clock is fine.
Where should i look for the problem at????

[OBX-AUTOMOTIVE]

MY GUESS IS THE ALTERNATOR OR BATTERY,WHEN YOU REV IT UP,IS THAT WHEN YOU NOTICE THE CHANGE?? ONE OF TWO THINGS, ALT NOT PUTTING OUT,LIKE IT SHOULD,OR THE BATTERY HAS A BAD CELL,OR ALL CELLS WEAK..CHECK BATTERY LEVEL*** GOOD LUCK GEMOBX/77/401

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[joe]

Start with the obvious, clean battery cables at "both" ends then check the ground cables eng/frame/body.
Sounds like a bad ground prolly for the body. Some years have a ground cable going from the battery to the body. Make sure that's still in place and clean, if not run one to a clean paint free bolt on the firewall and see if the flicker goes away.

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Regards,
-joe
63 2-dr Wag, 72 J-4000, 73 J-4000, 82 CJ-8

[Iron Horse]

Your problem is most likely the alternator, or more specifically the voltage regulator in the alt. (if you have the GM type). You can rebuild the alternator, but I would just go have yours rebuilt or buy a "new" rebuilt alternator. Mine went a couple of months ago, same problem as yours, all of my lights pulsating. New alternator was $59, solved the problem. http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif

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Andy

Iron Horse: 1988 GW 360/TF727/NP229/D44's F/R, 31x10.5 BFG AT's stuffed in stock wheel wells, and no WOOD.
soon to have:
BDS 4" lift, 3" body lift, 33"-35" BFG MT's, complete repaint and body work