460 flickering lights

[doingitsideways]

So, the latest "feature" of the 460 Turbo...

While the engine is running, the dash lights flicker.
Not on and off, more brightly then dimly, fairly rhythmically, maybe about the same speed as the seatbelt warning lamp (same as when you've got a blown indicator bulb for those who've never driven an '80s Volvo that's not a 480!)

It doesn't happen without the engine running and is also much less noticeable at low idle, i.e when in gear (auto) and there is no charge from the alternator.

The difference between dim and bright seems to be about what you may expect between charging and not.

Also noticed this seems to be effecting the exterior lights too but less noticeably.

I've all connections at the alternator, battery and all earths I can see and all seems good. Also, no battery light when running.
Oh, being a 460 there is no battery guage to watch dance about but I'd imagine it to be thoroughly entertaining!

So, I'm thinking my alternator's buggered... Right??

Cheers for reading my ramblings

Steve

[spree]

Demonic Possession.....?

I have a practically new alternator if your one turns out to be buggered.

BTW did you get my message about he Ebay sensor. It doesn't work so if you need to replace that sensor again. Don't by that one!

[doingitsideways]

Ah crap, so sorry J!

Please, send me your Paypal details and I'll gladly pay you for the DRLs.

Out of interest, how much would you want for the alternator??

PM me if you prefer

Cheers,

Steve

[spree]

Ha no worries mate. Keep the drl's as a gift, you didn't know that the sensor was rubbish!

BTW I have now fully tested the batch that your drl's are from and they match very very well to Osram nightbreaker + headlight bulbs and are a better match then the other slightly warmer bulbs that I can also get. So basically I am now recommending the warmer ones for standard lights and the ones you have for osram nightbreakers.

Might be a good excuse to upgrade.

With regards to the alternator, I only want a fair club price for it. I will ask glasgowjim, it looks literally brand new, must have only been on the car for a matter of weeks.

[doingitsideways]

Thanks very much J, you're a true gent

Well, let me know about the alternator. Might end up in the post to Manchester!

Steve

[spree]

It's yours for £60 dude. It's nearly new and is the better air con version. I can get a picture of you want?

[doingitsideways]

Go on then, send us a pic J

Although, I'll probably have it anyway TBH!

Steve

[spree]

Go on then, send us a pic J

Although, I'll probably have it anyway TBH!

Steve

OK I will sort that tomorrow. I'm fuming tonight man. Somebody has scraped the front drivers side wing on the 480 and driven off.

[doingitsideways]

Ah, sh1t!

Sorry to hear that mate, it's a part of modern motoring though unfortunately

Jim had someone do his hear arch recently, I had some prick cave in a rear roor and 1/4 panel on my old 850 for me and f**k off.

Hope you manage to get something sorted.

Steve

[spree]

Yeah it's bang out of order though!

The council are also to blame for putting in these silly staggered hump speedbumps that make everybody swerve everywhere. They don't actually really slow anybody down and now they also speed and swerve...

I'm actually looking to sell my black 480 now too and had just replied to a guy on here about it when this happened. It really bugs me to have a car with any kind of damage on it. I have too much pride. On an old car like a 480 it's the difference between it looking like a cool old car and just a beat up old car!

Fuming.

[spree]

Hey Steve,

Here are a couple of pics. It's a Lucas A13N241. It's not quite as new as I seem to remember it being but as you can see it is pretty new, just a little bit of oxidisation. I remembered it as being brand new for some reason so in light I think £45 plus delivery seems about right for it? They are £100 new.

I now have the lovely job of getting it out...I have come to the conclusion that air con on a 480 is simply not worth the total invasion of the engine bay.

[doingitsideways]

Aye, go on then J.

I'm assuming it'll fit a non a/c car ok?

What do you rekon on postage??

Steve

[spree]

According to JIm the air con car has a beefier alternator but it fits all cars. From my google search this type comes up for all 480's anyway so yes it will deffo fit.

Postage I recon will be about £8 but I will have to check it out.

[spree]

I think it's easier actually if we just say £50 including postage! It saves us messing about with how much the postage is etc. I will pm you my PayPal.