So here's the story. I've got a 1991 RS, 3.1L V6, bone stock. My electronics (including lights) are fluctuating, depending on how many other electronic items I've got turned on. It seems to be a momentary dip in voltage. Step on the brakes, the headlights dim a bit, momentarily. Turn on the blinker, the stereo goes off and then comes back up. Those sorts of things. A friend of mine suggested that it may be the voltage regulator, which seems reasonable enough to me (I'm no mechanic). So here are the questions. Does this sound accurate? Where is the voltage regulator located, exactly (I understand that it is in the alternator, but where)? How difficult is it to get out and how do I do so?

Now, reading here, it seems to be that it could also be fusable links or a bad battery ground. I do have kind of a cruddy connection from the battery to the chassis, but it just doesn't seem to be a grounding problem to me.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the help!

 

the voltage regulator is mounted inside the back case of the alternator.
if you have the right tools & watch what your doing, it not too hard to replace the regulator.
although if the regulator is going bad, some of the other parts in the alternator may follow soon.
if your regulator is going out just replace the alternator, that way you have a warranty.

good grounds are very important. a bad ground will cause all kinds of problems.
the first thing to do is fix or replace all of your grounds, battery to motor, battery to body, body to motor. they are all needed.

would you believe with any 2 of those grounds missing or bad, it can damage your transmission, U-joints, or your rear end?

 

Andrew,
I have seen this happen under 2 ocassions. The first was a guy that purchased a cheap a$$ no name alternator - everything flickered and lights dimmed when he stepped on the brakes. The next was an OEM alternator that had the brushes iinside worn down to nubs. Like Denn_Shah said check all your grounds and wire connections. Make sure to disconnect battery connections and look closely for corrosion on the cables.

Put a volt meter on the alt connection and monitor the voltage. If it is all over the place, I'd say it's time for a replacement. Since you're not a mechanic, I'd suggest replace rather than rebuild.
Good Luck,
Corky