Flickering headlights

[contour24v]

I’m working on my nieces 2014 sonic 1.4 turbo. First it was the water outlet easy repair once found once I got it back running the headlights are flickering and the volt meter shows that the current Varies. Battery is at 12.79 volts and at an idle voltage is 13.4 if you touch the gas the voltage jumps up. Headlights and interior lights flicker. I was thinking alternator voltage regulator. Is there anything else I should be looking at? And if it is the alternator I can get the voltage regulator for $27 or whole alternator for $140 any suggestions??

 

[TitanBlue]

Have you removed and cleaned all the major parts of the wire harness? Ensuring good paths everywhere?

A new thing for me; reading of it on this site a few days ago, is that the computer controls charging. In certain situations, it turns off charging until really needed. It is a technique to save fuel.. just something to be aware of while testing. Test results might not be what is traditionally expected. i need to learn more about this!

Be sure all connections are very clean first! Look into subject of Big 4 upgrade and a cable package available at zzperformance that may be beneficial for you. Very affordable. I like stuff heavy duty, so am considering a much heavier gauge upgrade home made for mine. I did this for my truck many years ago.

 

[ben416]

I’m working on my nieces 2014 sonic 1.4 turbo. First it was the water outlet easy repair once found once I got it back running the headlights are flickering and the volt meter shows that the current Varies. Battery is at 12.79 volts and at an idle voltage is 13.4 if you touch the gas the voltage jumps up. Headlights and interior lights flicker. I was thinking alternator voltage regulator. Is there anything else I should be looking at? And if it is the alternator I can get the voltage regulator for $27 or whole alternator for $140 any suggestions??

I had that happen to my 2013 and the dealer had to replace the alternator. I have an Ultragauge and the pre-cursor symptoms were voltage spikes when the engine rpm changed quickly. Sometimes it would hit almost 16v at higher revs and have trouble keeping the voltage up at low revs. Have you monitored the voltage while in motion? If its going all over the place your regulator is probably shot.

 

[contour24v]

It was the voltage regulator in the alternator got it for 28 bucks online saved her some cash what a pain that 1.4 turbo is to work on.

 

[TitanBlue]

How and where is the VR mounted? I know the 1.8L may be slightly different than 1.4L Alternator.