CEL and more

[contrldsub]

first:
my CEL came on after about a week after i did HG's. recently it started blinking at me but there is no change in the car as far as how its running or gas milage. if i keep the cruise on it dont blink. but if im using the gas it seems to blink when ever its under load. suggestions?

second:
when i got the car the altenator was bad so i replaced it. when ever i hit the breaks the lights dim, heater fan gets audibly quieter (slower) and the belt squeels for a few seconds. i know the belt is fine or was befor ethis started happening because it was the first thing i replaced before the altenator itself. voltage at the batter while running is about 13v and then it drops slightly when the brakes are applied. im not sure how tight is too tight on the belt? is that maybe my problem.

[T_F_E]

^same things happen when I hit the brakes I think its a common thing

[contrldsub]

its annoying.

[Huffer]

1. Find out what the CEL is for. Pull the code.
2. It's not that common for the lights to dim a lot unless your electrical system is under load (big audio system for example).
Check your wiring grounds in the engine bay, make sure they're clean and hooked up properly.

[contrldsub]

CEL codes were misfires on each cylinder. new plugs and wires. not that i would think all 4 of them would be bad at once. so i think im gonna go with coil pack or what ever happens to be there if it keeps happening. i dont have any extras in the car except sirius. seems kinda retarded that there would be that much of a draw on the system when the brakes are used.

[Huffer]

Then you have a grounding issue.

[contrldsub]

how many grounds are there? just the one on battery?

[97legacygt]

I agree with Huffer. There has to be a corroded wire that is robbing voltage because the voltage at the battery is low when its running. Normally its around 14 volts. Also try cleaning the top of your battery with baking soda and water to make sure you there isn't any acid on it. I would check both the negative and positive battery cables to see if there is any corrosion.

[Huffer]

how many grounds are there? just the one on battery?

There's a bunch in the engine bay. They're grounded to the chassis and to various engine components. you can trace them out pretty quickly.
You should also check your alternator harness - seeing as you just replaced the alternator.

[contrldsub]

thanks for the replies :) i am going to check out the grounds tomorrow. the battery should be fine as far as corrosion and acid on it. its brandy new only 3 weeks old. and when i did the HG's i ran a terminal brush thru the the terminals and over the posts just for GP. ill check and see what else i can find for grounds. im sure there is corrosion in there some where as im in VT and there is always salt on the roads.