May 9, 200619 yr i had the buggy (89 gl-10 t-wagon) out for a spin this weekend. my headlights are pretty crap when im idling ~800 rpm iirc. when i start to move they get brighter. didnt see anything in the USRM or my searches. is my alternator dying?
May 9, 200619 yr is my alternator dying? Most likely, or the belt could be loose. Check the alt for AC output - it should be zero. Probably the rectifier is going on it. GD
May 9, 200619 yr the voltage regulator is toast...the brightnes?>volts go up as revs get higher. . after you replace your alt, it would be a good idea to install a volt gauge. being as your digi dash doesn't have one.
May 9, 200619 yr sometimes just the wiring or connections at the alternator, headlights or battery are to blame aren't they?
May 9, 200619 yr Yes, poor connections in the charging circuit will cause the the battery to have less charge than it should have and so this kind of thing happens. A small amount of dimming at idle is pretty normal. As was stated, a loose alternator belt will also cause this to happen. When diodes fail, usually the warning lights in the alternator circuit will glow dimmly.
May 9, 200619 yr to confirm everyone's words, yes, you probably need a new alt, or battery, or both. my alt pooped out several months back and i got a friend who fixes electric motors for a living to repair the diodes. and yes, the idiot lights glowed dimly at idle. first off they were REALLY bright, then eventually faded as time went on. i'm not positive what he fixed but the alt works fine now and the cost of a free repair beats the $110 for a new or $25 from the j/y, self pulled. battery cables could be the culprit as well. a bit of sandpaper or wire brush will clean them terminals up nicely.
May 10, 200619 yr Author after you replace your alt, it would be a good idea to install a volt gauge. being as your digi dash doesn't have one. i have a voltmeter already installed if im gonna replace the alt, guess i should look into upgrades, huh?
May 10, 200619 yr cool beans..wouldn't want to damage your digi cluster up with 18v spikes:lol: . there was a thread that went un-noticed with some great info! ,antoher alt swap choice. older v6 maxima (90a)..bolts in, just need to change the pulleys & plug. heres the link http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=44094&highlight=maxima its what my next alt will be:headbang: .
May 10, 200619 yr cool beans..wouldn't want to damage your digi cluster up with 18v spikes:lol: . there was a thread that went un-noticed with some great info! ,antoher alt swap choice. older v6 maxima (90a)..bolts in, just need to change the pulleys & plug. heres the link http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=44094&highlight=maxima its what my next alt will be:headbang: . Dude, that is freaking cool beans info on that Maxima alt. I may have to get one for my XT Turbo. The XT Turbo's alt even has a single belt 4 groove pulley on it... so that'd mean the stock pulley *should* work. That'll be freaking sweet if its just a direct replacement.
May 16, 200619 yr Author Most likely, or the belt could be loose. i hate asking stupid questions like this... if the belt is loose, is it going to squeal and make a bunch of noise, or can it be somewhat quiet and loose? last time i messed with the accessory belt i used my breaker bar to pull the alt and put tension back on the belt.
May 16, 200619 yr If the belt is loose it might not make any noise. Be careful about applying too much tension to the alternator belt. That is bad also.
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now