Thread: Dead Alternator?

Mine was the same, only warning signs I got was the old gearbox fault and a few others when my battery finally died. Rebuilt alternator and nearly 2 years later I am still running the same battery!

My experience is that the light only comes on when there is zero output.

A low (inadequate) voltage allows you to slowly but surely run your battery down with little warning apart from dimming headlights... slower starting, and in your case, ECU's starting to do Strange Things.

Generally happens far from home or at inconvenient times...

Originally Posted by superquag

Generally happens far from home or at inconvenient times...

Exactly!

It is definately the alternator. Got it out and one brush is so short I am surprised it was able to make contact for so long. Grooves like grand canyon on the rings.

Time for a new one ..

Ill get some new brushes for the old one and keep it as an emergency spare.

Thanks for the responses

Walter

Originally Posted by superquag

My experience is that the light only comes on when there is zero output.

I am redesigning my centre console so I can install water/oil temp and oil pressure gauges. I will now add volt/amp to the list

For what its worth...

Many moons ago when I installed gauges in my 2nd car... I went for a 60 - 0 - 60 Amp gauge, reasoning that as I had lotsa lights etc, it would be appropriate. RRong... - the ammeter is only-or should be- used as a 'balance' gauge, and I'd have been better off with a 30-0-30 or even lower.

- The lower the range, the more obvious it is around the ZERO position.

If you're drawing more than 30 A (discharge) then you're in big trouble anyway, you don't need more numbers to depress yourself!



But 100-0-100 looks even more impressive...

If space is limited, you could go for a digital voltmeter, like one of those $10 evilBay specials. - come in red, green or blue digits. But changing numbers can be distracting/annoying. Personally, I'd prefer a good quality 'Analogue'.