Alternator change time ?

[subjfd]

Alternator change time ?

For the last year, noticed that my light were dimming slightly while idling. Then lately, all my electrical such as wipers would slow down as I would slow down as well.

 

Today, my radio turned off as my rpm went down, and back on as my rpm went up while idle or running.

 

Turned my car off, and it would not start again.

 

My battery is exactly 1 year old (a 5 year warranty one).

 

AM I correct in assuming time for a new alternator ?

 

BTW,

 

93 Legacy 4WD wagon, 5 speed, no air.

 

Thanks

 

JF

[Manarius]

Yup, you hit the nail on the head. I'd be willing to bet that your alternator is toast.

[Sube dude]

Alternator change time ?

... AM I correct in assuming time for a new alternator ?

 

BTW,

 

93 Legacy 4WD wagon, 5 speed, no air.

 

Thanks

 

JF

 

A decent auto electric shop might be able to repair it. It might just be the brushes are worn out. My '91 600 k km+ Loyale's alternator is original except for new brushes. Ditto the starter, the fuel pump, wiper motor and most of the electrical bits - go figure! The only bit I've replaced is the heater fan (gets a lot of use at -40 degrees!)

 

Cheers.

[sidedown]

Just did mine, usually the symptoms you have are accompanied by noise from the bearings going bad also. Many stores, autozone here, have testers for the alternator. Problem is, many of them have bench tests that wont accomodate foreign alternators, so they can only test them while in the car.

[subjfd]

Yep, I could start hearing the bearing (a faint wheeze that would be louder at low RPM)...Oh well, time to dish out some $$$)

 

 

Thanks

[lmdew]

I can send you a good used one $25+shipping. Lmdew@hotmail.com Shipping from Colorado 80916. I can use my FedEx discount and it will be there in a few days. Later, Larry

[firstwagon]

If you have a mutimetre you can check. If the alternator is good then the voltage across the battery should be around 14 volts (with the car running). Turning on things like the lights and the heater should only have a minimal effect on the voltage.

 

If the alternator is bad then you will get close to 12 volts across the battery. Turning on the lights and heater can drop it to 9 to 10 volts depending on the strength of you battery.

 

Anything in between usually means it going but not gone yet. Change it before it leaves you standed.

[jon38iowa]

If you have a mutimetre you can check. If the alternator is good then the voltage across the battery should be around 14 volts (with the car running). Turning on things like the lights and the heater should only have a minimal effect on the voltage.

 

If the alternator is bad then you will get close to 12 volts across the battery. Turning on the lights and heater can drop it to 9 to 10 volts depending on the strength of you battery.

 

Anything in between usually means it going but not gone yet. Change it before it leaves you standed.

Everything you said is right on the money! I bought a device that checks the battery and alternator,moreover, I use it before I take any long trips. Had an alternator go unexpectedly one time, non Subaru. I don't like being along side the rode.