Flickering Headlights on my 2001 Chevy Venture


Flickering Lights - December 20, 2004

I have noticed over the last few months that the headlights sometimes appear to "Flicker" while
driving around at night.  What I mean is that the lights appear to get dim for a second and then
come back to their normal brightness.  It does NOT appear to be related to any vibration or when
I hit a bump in the road. It DOES appear to be related to times when extra current is drawn from
the electrical system (i.e. MAF sensor kicks in).

While researching this issue, I found that there is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on several
GM vehicles for this issue (TSB 01-06-03-005). It involves replacing a screw and washer on the
alternator that is used to ground the Voltage Regulator.

I got the "kit" (replacement screw & washer) and installed them today. This took a total of about
10-15 minutes, once I located the screw.
I will keep an eye on the lights to see if this issue continues.

Note: The washer in the kit was "warped" a little.  I am assuming that this helps to keep the
screw from turning (like a "keep-washer"). 

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