while im driving the car is fine
when i stop at a light the car shakes like a mack truck just
drove past me
and the headlights dim making me think it has something to
do with the electrical system.
thanks
george
You might want to get a multi meter to see what kind of volts youre running through youre charging system. Could have a weak battery, Also a alternator.
i was thinkin the altenator
where should i hook up my meter to
12 volt constant in the main harness?
thanks
george
If find my car "shudders" ever so slightly if it's warm and settled into a slow idle. If you're getting excessive shake you could have a poor idle or more serious engine issues. As for dimming lights, I find it's pretty easy to load up the Cavy's electrical system at an idle, especially with headlamps, blower, and defroster running. If the dimming is especially noticeable, I would suspect a weak battery or alternator.
Shop Manuals, Brochures:
www.kenmcgeeautobooks.com
it is an decent shake
like i said it feels like a big rig is driving past you at a high speed
and then it stops
when it does this shaking, shuddering - thats when the lights dim
i notice it because theres usually a car ahead of me at lights and i can see the reflection
i dont have very many mods
i just installed my lower eng mount
rear sway bars
jvc head unit
factory speakers
the headlights were nokya but i swapped the out for halo
the halo are direct replacement 55w
and then i have halo fogs as well
hope this helps a little
george
i m going to hook up my multi meter on the way home from work
and see how that reads
ill post back tommarow with anything
thanks
george
Poor grounds is often to blame, try cleaning the contact zones (battery negative terminal and where the neg. wire is attached to the chassis) removing any rust or paint ... also if the rpm go too low when you stop this will cause vibrations and light dimming since the alt may turn to slow to put out enough amps or volts.
do you think the grounding kits they sell would work or help
if im haveing a ground issue
where can i purchase them i cant seem to find any
or can i just make my own by using 4ga ground wire for amp kits
george
Audio and Electronics FAQ is a good source of info....
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=4&i=117446&t=113629#117446
Try with a cable 4ga is ok just make contact with the neg. terminal of your batt on one end and with a good ground on the engine or chassis see if the lights improve or get brighter if so thats it supplement your grounds.
Your electrical system is fine.
The dimming and the shaking are both symtoms of low idle. At low RPMs, your alternator isn't spinning fast enough to put out 14v. This isn't the alternator's fault. At low RPMs, vibrations are worse and power delivery is choppy which causes the shake.
I suspect the IAC valve.
2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd
Most likely, nevertheless, better grounding won´t hurt, did the so called big 3 and car starts better and lights are a little brighter, also a non expensive easy to do mod.
might be a stupid question but what is the iac valve
and where can i find it
george
