blinking lights

[Albert418]

I have a 1991 Dodge Dakota SE its a Shelby Dodge. I recently replaced an alternator and then found out that the voltage regulator was also bad. NO it is not inside to alternator Dodge/Chrysler and Jeep in that year put the regulator inside the Computer. The mechanic that worked on it new I needed that truck to work and didn't have the cash to replace the computer. He hard wired an external regulator and bypassed the computer. Now the headlights, taillights and dash lights blink when the truck is running and only when the lights are turned on. Does something else need to be grounded? Help!!!!! I am out of money.. And yes the check engine light is still on but system is charging.

 

[Donald]

Have you taken voltage readings at the battery with engine off and again with it running? Please post. Would you say the mechanic knows what he is doing? Any local alt. rebuilding shops around?

 

[wrcsixeight]

I have heard how bypassing the voltage regulator does light up the CEL, I have not heard of your other issues.

I once blamed the voltage regulator in my ECM, when it was a fusible link which blew, but appeared to be in perfect condition externally.

Since there are at least 2 wires he had to cut near the ecm, I'd wiggle the connectors at the ecm and see if it causes any lights to flash or relays to click. Also check the bulkhead connector at the firewall for corrosion or looseness.

I do not know really what to recommend other than to take it back to your mechanic with a printout of this, and see what his reaction is.

http://www.alternatorparts.com/Dodge_Chrysler_external_voltage_regulator_wiring.htm

 

[Carbon]

"Now the headlights, taillights and dash lights blink when the truck is running and only when the lights are turned on."

Headlight switches used to have a self-resetting circuit breaker. Maybe they still do. Could that explain your flashing if there was enough of a short in your headlight circuit to be tripping the breaker, only to have it reset itself as it cooled a bit later? They don't want your headlights to just go out if there is an intermittent short that would have blown a fuse.