Questions and Answers

Pontiac Grand Prix Getting Bright Q. Hi Vincent, I got a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix, model SJ, 301 cu.in. engine, automatic transmission (replaced the 200 with a 350 a couple of months ago) 132,000 miles on it, with a 4 bbl. carburetor, power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and cruise control.

My problem is, at night with the headlights on and just the radio on, I'll be going along and the headlights while on low beam will all of a sudden get brighter for a few seconds then go back to normal. The amp gauge in normal driving is straight up and down. When the headlight thing happens the gauge reads way to the right of center. (If it were to go to the left wouldn't that mean a discharge?)

The gauge will go the way to the right when the headlights get brighter for couple of seconds, then when the headlights go back to normal the gauge goes back to straight up and down. Could my problem be the alternator? It's a rebuilt, about a year old. Any information you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dale

A. There is a voltage regulator built into the alternator. If it goes bad it can cause this problem of over charging at times.