Yep, that's one of the issues I was talking about here. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/fron...e5/#post817290

 

I can't tell if it's flickering anymore

 

right on man - I'm going thru that thread and trying to fix up the links so they show up ok. Takes a bit of time - should be done in a few more mins. :)

update - done. The images should show.

 

I know I'm old fashion, but years ago that flickering could only be the regulator, which used to be a separate component. Now its integrated into the alternator and consists of diodes, but it still has the same job, controlling the charge rate, based on the battery charge state. If you could find the right mechanic, he/she could try replacing the control diodes, but likely you will not find anyone willing to do anything but swap the entire alternator.

 

I'm leaning towards the alternator OR grounds. Sometimes a bearing in the alternator can go, and also cause similar symptoms, in addition to the built in regulator.

I'm lucky in that there is an excellent electrical repair shop that has worked miracles on alternators and starters here for me over the years. But when my HHR starter died, it wasn't worthwhile repairing it was in such bad shape.

 

Based on the video in post #22, I guess the new battery fixed it.

 

To be exact the BCM is the regulator, That's why us old fogeys get confused measuring the alternator output. The diodes are the same as old timey alternators, they change the AC to DC.

Close enough though, there is no replaceable regulator.

 

Update: it seems the battery did fix it. At first the problem was still there but I let the car run for awhile and it is problem free. I'll let you all know the updates in the coming days if anything changes.

Thanks for your help.

Also this is the same car that had issues with the BCM, key deprogramming, and blower motor almost exactly one year ago:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...g-55877/page3/

 

Yet another INTERMITTENT electrical HHR issue, which *might* go away after replacing battery, alternator, regulator, etc but it WILL come back in time due to BAD RELAYS, in this case the BCM relay (there's only one) may be worn out, try swapping relays around and see if there is an improvement. Relays are not digital, they have moving parts that wear out over time, build up carbon or oxidation on the points and cause intermittent issues that will drive you nuts. $20 will fix it. This is the FIRST thing to check.

 

that was solved! He put a new battery in. Bad relays are not as frequent as you think. Please stop posting in every thread, one is enough.