Bit of a weird electrical problem this, bear with me!

 

Couple of days ago I noticed that when I braked the power steering would go all floaty, and the HICAS light would flicker (normally stays on, known problem).

 

Then the other day, I noticed that it blinked with the ABS light as well, but only when braking.

 

Today the problem is alot worse, but I think it's electrical. It seems that when ever I increase the load on the electrical system, the ABS and HICAS lights come on along with the power steering goes light. It was so bad today the car did it even when indicating (was driving at night with lights on).

 

Tonight, when the HICAS and ABS lights were on the car also spluttered like I was taking my foot off the accelerator, even though I was at a constant speed.

 

Reading other posts I'm thinking it could be the alternator, although car started fine.

 

Any suggestions?

Any suggestions?

A poor earth somewhere?

 

Does the starter motor spin over well? If it does it may be another minor earth that's corroded a bit.

Battery /alternator, get these cheeked for free at halfords

hi z mate

 

firstly check the output from the altenator fully loaded ie. all lights, heated window, heater etc is on with a good quality digital volt meter you should get a minimum 13 volts, but first make sure the altenator drive belt is tight, that makes a hell of a difference.

 

regards big mo

Id go with dunk300zxtt, sounds more like an earthing fault.

i had this on mine a while back got the aa out the didnt know lol. had a look the next day in the daylight and it was a loose conection on the alternator

You have checked the obvious havent you?

 

If the fluid level is on the limit it will be off sometimes and on sometimes like when cornering and you did say it came on whilst indicating.

 

Otherwise check the speed sensor wires arent burning on the exhaust.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Have checked the battery connection, tightened up a bit for good measure but no obvious problems. Not the alternator either.

 

I've managed to narrow it down a bit. The problem only happens after about 1 hour of driving, sometimes not at all, but it started tonight as I was pulling up home.

 

Pressed the brake pedal, power steering went light. While I was sitting there with the car running, I noticed that when I pressed the brake, the interior lights and headlights flickered slightly. What would be causing this? As I said not happening all the time.

 

Very confused at the moment....