nkx Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaru_styles Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 sometimes just the wiring or connections at the alternator, headlights or battery are to blame aren't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wesley willis Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nkx Posted May 10, 2006 Author Share Posted May 10, 2006 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaru_styles Posted May 10, 2006 Share Posted May 10, 2006 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: . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeshoup Posted May 10, 2006 Share Posted May 10, 2006 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nkx Posted May 16, 2006 Author Share Posted May 16, 2006 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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