solitarycheese

I had a slight flicker in my dash at idle, so I went ahead and replaced my alternator in May with a remanufactured Denso 210-0458 for $110. The flicker wasn't completely gone after, but it was better so I let it be.

Now, the flicker is back worse than ever. Should I just assume I got a bad replacement unit and try replacing it again, or is there anything else that needs looking at?

I still have the original alternator, I may go the route of replacing the rectifier and brush holder assembly.

Car on, motor off: no flicker

Motor on, idling: dash flashing like an EDM show. Headlights/ A/C doesn't effect how much it flashes.

Revving in neutral: no change to flashing

Driving over 3000 RPM: very subtle flicker, barely noticeable

Slowcrash_101

May have a bad ground battery cable.

windhund116

Also, check the grounding points for good, clean, tight contact.

solitarycheese

Slow, you mentioned in other threads that a leaking IACV could damage the alternator. Earlier this year I took my IACV apart to clean it, so there's a chance for a leak there but I haven't confirmed. Is fixing that leak just a matter of replacing the hoses/clamps?

Billman250

Flickering dash is a leaky rectifier in the alternator. They will rebuild them this way as they have no effect on the charging system.

Get a new rectifier and put it in your original alternator.

solitarycheese

That's garbage, you would think a rebuilt is supposed to be good as new. Thanks for the tip.

Slowcrash_101

Not the iacv, the hose that runs under the throttle body is right over the field winding, if that hose starts leaking, it can damage the alternator. Unlikely though.

Billman250

Flickering dash usually results after a jump start of a dead battery.

If you car is dead, charge the battery if you can instead of jumping it.

Slowcrash_101

Better advice could not be given.

solitarycheese

New symptoms - the car makes a groaning sound from the front end when idling and electrical accessories are engaged. Here, I alternate between pushing the window switches, turning the wheel, and pushing the top switch so you can hear it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpYrHbfB6FY

Thanks for the help so far. I have a new negative battery cable coming (couldn't find a generic that fit so went OEM route). Rectifier will be next.