Strange electrical issue

Hi, I've had issue with my rev counter flicking for a while now. On looking into it, a flicking needle seems to be symptomatic of a loose rev counter wire on the alternator. I had all those wires off and cleaned the connections, and it seemed to fix for a while. I've recently changed the water pump, and with that the aux belt played up, and I've fixed that with the penny trick and a new belt, but the rev counter needle has started flickering again. But what is confusing me is if I put any electrics on (heater, lights, etc) the flickering immediately stops. Has anyone else had this issue, or any clues what might be causing it? Cheers.

i have trouble at the mo, with stereo going off when heater blower or full beam is turned on. i have cleaned all the main earths under the bonnet, now to have the head unit out and have a look behind

I don't think it'd be an earth issue on mine, as the turning on of other things wouldn't affect it, would it? Yours sounds more like crossed wires, isn't it?

No one has ever come across this then?

basher79 said:

i have trouble at the mo, with stereo going off when heater blower or full beam is turned on. i have cleaned all the main earths under the bonnet, now to have the head unit out and have a look behind

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This is the earth from the battery where it bolts to the inside of the chassis. The cable is more than likely loose inside the metal tab,

sirwingalot said:

No one has ever come across this then?

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It is generally a sign that the alternator is on its way out or at least the diode pack on the rear of it.

Tonks4x4 said:

It is generally a sign that the alternator is on its way out or at least the diode pack on the rear of it.

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Ah right, thanks. I'll be looking for a new one then. Cheers!