2006 GP lights dim fan slows when braking plus chirping belt HELP!

**Greg84** · 12-23-2013

Hi guys this is my first post on a forum. Im having a problem or maybe multiple problems with my 2006 Grand prix V6 (not the supercharged one). I dont know that much yet about whats under my hood but hopefully that will change soon as id like to do my own work on it, or at least as much as possible. The problem Im facing is that I notice when I'm parking mostly in a parking lot that as I press and release the brake repeatedly slowing into the space the heater/ac fan and all lights in and out of the car dim as if Im having a power problem. I also notice that the serpentine belt is chirping so maybe they're related. also when I squirt water on the rib side of the belt the chirping stops, and I watched a youtube video about it and they said if you do that and the chirp stops then that means you've got misalignment in one of the pulleys. any way I'll leave you with that and see if you can give me some idea what to check. also I will need you to tell me this as if I dont know anything, because I actually do know next to nothing, lol. Thanks in advance.

**lewis1952** · 12-23-2013

Greg, I'm fairly new here myself, but I've worked on cars since I was about 14. My guess on the lights would be a bad brake light switch. As for the chirping it's usually the idler pulley. Spray a little , just a little wd40 on the nut in the center of the pulley. If it quits chirping replace it.

**Scottydoggs** · 12-23-2013

your chirping is the belt or a pulley is bad. take the belt off spin the pulleys by hand, the one thats not smooth feeling is the problem. idler, or tentioner). or the belt is shot, flip it over your finger and look for cracks in the belt.

the lights dimming is a bit normal as the rps drop at a idle the alternator cant keep up with the demand of power and then slows down a bit power wise.

you can get it tested for free at most parts stores, the battery and alt that is. you want to see 12 volts @ the battery when the car is off. it should read over 12 but not much more then 14.3 at idle running.

**Greg84** · 12-29-2013

alright thanks guys. I replaced the belt and i've been fine since. But I have a new question. If I notice the steering wheel vibrating at highway speeds and I just put on the snow tires, what could it it be. Thanks, and sorry for such a newb question, but its my first time ever using snow tires.