I am getting slight headlight flicker while driving and the lights dim at idle (950 rpm) while at a stop light in my '73 L. I recently replaced my battery. Any ideas as to why?
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A few things to check:
1)- if you run a stock 47 or 64amp alternator, it won't put out a positive charge at lower revs- you're essentially running on the battery. A slight speed increase allows the alt to begin charging & the lights brighten. Panteras really need a 75 or 100-amp unit
2)- a bad ground. Panteras are notorious for loose grounds, especially the big one under the dash behind the tach. Causes all kinds of weirdness with lights.
3)- a beginning-to-fail headlight rocker switch can cause this by sucking more than normal amounts of current, getting hot in the process. If the switch feels hot, it's on its way to failure internally. Vendors have them in stock.
4)- basic stuff- is the alt belt tight? It can look tight but under load (when headlights are on), the belt can start to slip (without squeeling) and you don't get enough charge. At higher engine speeds, sometimes the belt "catches up" and stops slipping.
1)- if you run a stock 47 or 64amp alternator, it won't put out a positive charge at lower revs- you're essentially running on the battery. A slight speed increase allows the alt to begin charging & the lights brighten. Panteras really need a 75 or 100-amp unit
2)- a bad ground. Panteras are notorious for loose grounds, especially the big one under the dash behind the tach. Causes all kinds of weirdness with lights.
3)- a beginning-to-fail headlight rocker switch can cause this by sucking more than normal amounts of current, getting hot in the process. If the switch feels hot, it's on its way to failure internally. Vendors have them in stock.
4)- basic stuff- is the alt belt tight? It can look tight but under load (when headlights are on), the belt can start to slip (without squeeling) and you don't get enough charge. At higher engine speeds, sometimes the belt "catches up" and stops slipping.
I'm running a stock alternator and suspected it might be a problem. I forgot about loose fuses and hot switch, I'll have to check them out. Thanks guys!!!