possible alternator problem

[overboost]

ok, this one is new to me so I will ask, it may be a common thing on these cars.

I changed the battery.
when I started the car, the interior lights started flashing (pulsating, they didnt go out, just surging)
I thought it may be the antilock module pumping and setting due to lost PCM memory. after I drove it, it drives fine but it still pulsates whenever anything electrical is touched.
depending on the load, is how intense the flashing is. if you turn on the lights, they flash (pulsate) more prominently.
if you step on the brake, they pulsate but not as brightly.

the battery voltage is a constant 14.5 when it does this, but the alternator % cycle goes nuts. from 26% at idle with no flashing up to 75% and down to zero.

I am going to ass-ume that my alternator took a dump.

is the regulator in the PCM or bolted to the back of the alt?

I dont want to change the thing since you have to pull the axle to get it out. do you think they can give you any less room to work in there?

any opinions or should I take it to a disco and let the lights flash?

[quicksilverdon]

Did you clean the battery clamps very well when you put in new battery? Clamps good and tight? If you shake on a cable, it shouldn't move.
I'd suspect that first.

[overboost]

that was the first thing I did. I pulled them off and cleaned them again, just in case. still doing the same thing.

[CREWZIN]

Not that I didn't believe you, but I checked the manual about removing the alternator and your certainly right about removing the axle to get it out. Plus, the power steering oil cooler and several bolts and supporting brackets. Hope you find that it's not the alternator that's causing your problem.

[overboost]

I told ya, and I was under there looking (I just changed the PS/AC tentioner) and you have no room to get that thing out. move this, unbolt that, set front bumper in line with the polaris star at the winter equinox.
it did not do this until I changed the battery, I am hoping I was a ding dong and unplugged something somewhere or even a bad battery. just not the alternator, please, be kind, I been a good boy....ahhhhh
opps...sorry. got out of had a bit there.

[overboost]

turns out it was a bad battery. it was brand new but bad, swapped in the old one, no problems, swapped batterys at walmart and put in replacment new one, no problems.

[CREWZIN]

Glad it turned out to be simple and cheap!