matty61184
02-11-2004, 04:15 AM
I've got a slight problem with my 99' GLS. It makes me mad too; it only has 34K on it! The car runs somewhat rough at idle and sometimes the idle speed "bumps" down, almost as if a little bit of gas or whatnot was cut off but it's nothing horrid. Also, when I listen to the exhaust, I can hear a pop-pop-pop noise in between smooth exhaust output. It's not loud, just a very quiet pop; this is just another way I verified my engine wasn't running smoothly. I have a battery that is practically new (put in dec 03) and has plenty of guts (850 CCA, it's Iowa and I don't play games with Old Man Winter, hehe). Also, when I come to an idle, sometimes (w/ or w/o accessories on), the gauge lights on my instrument cluster and all other lights, etc that are on at the time will dim ever so slightly, but when I step on the gas, they will come right back up. I don't have a sub or anything of the such. I am thinking this is the alternator. Possibly, it's just not putting out enough juice? If this is the case, would it be best to replace it with a new hi-output alternator (I think I saw somewhere on here there is a 160 amp one). I hate automotive problems like this, because there are so many possible factors that come into play. I have even had a new fuel filter put in, run 90 grade fuel, and had the entire fuel injection system cleaned (at jiffy lube). I just don't know if one of the injectors is fouled or if it's the alternator that's going bad or a combination of these factors. Looking to the experts to help me out. Sorry this is so long, but I guess it's better to get the details out of the way up front instead of leaving you all with a lot of questions. Thanks in advance for any help/advice you all can offer. :thumbsup: