alternator problem
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alternator problem
Two nights ago on my way home the alternator light came on and the charging gauge went way down to about 1/4. I was worried I might not make it home before dark when I would have to use my headlights. Maybe 15 miles and the light went out and the gauge back up. Again 15 miles and back the other way. I stopped to check the wiring and when I started up again it was okay again. But before I made it home the light was on. I made it home and the next morning cleaned the battery cables hoping that was the problem and it worked fine, for a while. It kept doing this during the day. Sometimes after a stop it would work fine, then a few miles later not fine. Is this the alternator going slowly. I plan to check the connections in the morning but thought I would ask first. How much is a new alternator anyway. I will probably settle for a used one with a guarantee. They are about 15 bucks here in Canada.
You guys are great!
You guys are great!
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Worn brushes could cause this
My van's had these symptoms. In my case it was due to almost worn-out brushes. Their springs were fully extended and the brush holder was covered in brush dust, resulting in the brushes making intermittent contact with the ring. Sometimes a sharp bump in the road would cause the charge light to come on or go off. Brush holder with brushes costs about 9 USD.
Jan Richter
Jan Richter
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Yeah I figured that might be what it was. How difficult is it to change the brushes. I did it once on a volkswagen rabbit alternator. Where did you buy the new brushes, at a regular auto parts store? I think I got the ones for the Rabbit at an electrical supply house. Thanks for the quick answer.
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I bought them from one of the national parts chains. They're very easy to change, but the alternator has to be removed from the van. The brush holder is secured at the back of the alternator by four bolts. The factory fitted alternators used bolts with tamperproof star heads (#20), rebuilt units usually have ordinary hexagon head bolts. Just unscrew these, lift the old brush holder out, replace with the new unit and remove the thin rod which holds the brushes down in their guides.
(My van's a 1992 3.0 with 95 amp alternator and internal fan)
There could be other reasons for intermittent charging, such as loose connections at the back of the alternator.
Jan Richter
(My van's a 1992 3.0 with 95 amp alternator and internal fan)
There could be other reasons for intermittent charging, such as loose connections at the back of the alternator.
Jan Richter
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Thanks guys, all fixed. A few points from the manual helped. Such as getting at the back bolt on the alternator from the right wheel well after removing the tire and inserting a small wire, paper clip size into the hole provided to hold the brushes and springs in place while putting those four screws back in. Now for those nasty front rotors and the shakin when brakin problem.
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