Why are my headlights and stereo cutting out in my car?

Question

I have a 1995 lexus sc400. I just replaced the alternator about a month ago and now my headlights and stereo cutoff while I'm driving. They cutoff and the turn back on, also when I tried to lock my car door with the automatic lock button it wouldn't lock, I had to shut the door and lock it with my key. Does anyone know what the problem could possibly be? My friend told me it was the serpentine belt is that true?

Now my car is cutting off while driving. Last night I had to let it sit for about an hour before it would start again.

Answer 1

Sounds to me like you have an intermittant wire (loose wire). I bet its on the alternater. Have the shop that installed your alternator check to make sure all the wires are connected properly.

As far as your serpinetine belt... your symptoms have nothing to do with a serpintine belt failure (if this were the case - your car would not be running - your water pump would not work, A/C, alternator, everything pretty much!) You can confirm this by popping the hood and making sure there are no belts missing/broken.

Answer 2

It could have something to do with the belt. If the belt is not tight enough it may not be producing the voltage necessary to run your accessories and charge the battery at the same time. That is probably why your locks didn't work.

Answer 3

possibly, a bad fuse in the electrical fuse. sometimes, it is difficulty to tell there is a break in the wire, especially if it is not in the center of it, and as it makes and breaks contact, the heat generated by the current will warp the wire until it cools off again.

Answer 4

if headlights are dimming but not going dead....hmm sounds like a loose wire because the alternator isnt dead....if it was u wouldnt get nothing.....try checking the cables connected to the alternator.
not a fuse because wouldnt work either

Answer 5

there is maximum efficient a million element to do to acceptable this, who ever shrink the wires demands to pay a precise vehicle audio installer to repair his blunders. it fairly is so now no longer cool, often with the aid of way of an adaptor on no account shrink wires. reducing wires purely shows which you basically have not got any thought what your doing.

Answer 6

It sounds like you need a more powerful alternator.

Answer 7

sounds like you have an electrical problem. Take it to your dealer or mechanic.