Problems Related to Bad Alternator?
07-20-2001, 05:01 PM
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Problems Related to Bad Alternator?
Hi all,
Could a bad alternator be responsible for brake lights failing to come on under normal pedal pressure with the headlights on (they come on when the brake pedal is pressed hard)? Could it also cause the cigarette lighter to suddenly stop working? Also, does anyone know where I can have my alternator rebuilt at a good price?
Thanks in advance.
Could a bad alternator be responsible for brake lights failing to come on under normal pedal pressure with the headlights on (they come on when the brake pedal is pressed hard)? Could it also cause the cigarette lighter to suddenly stop working? Also, does anyone know where I can have my alternator rebuilt at a good price?
Thanks in advance.
07-20-2001, 05:40 PM
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Seems highly unlikely to me that the alternator is the source of your problems. Use a voltmeter to check your battery voltage, you should get 12 volts with the engine not running, 13.5 volts with the engine running. If you don't get 13 volts your alternator is not charging the battery, if your battery can't hold 12 volts with some accessories on, then the battery is probably toast. 
07-20-2001, 07:39 PM
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Brake light switch needs to be adjusted. The sacrilege, do you actually smoke in your car? While driving? 
(I do both) Cigarette lighter element might need to be replaced; its a cheap part of about $15 and it worked for me. Rebuilt alternator cost depends on your model, but say $300 plus for a new part, $150-200 for exchange, probably less than $100 if you take it to a shop for some new bearings, brushes, etc. It is extremely unlikely that there is any causal relationship between your alternator and the cig. lighter and brake lights. Good luck.
(I do both) Cigarette lighter element might need to be replaced; its a cheap part of about $15 and it worked for me. Rebuilt alternator cost depends on your model, but say $300 plus for a new part, $150-200 for exchange, probably less than $100 if you take it to a shop for some new bearings, brushes, etc. It is extremely unlikely that there is any causal relationship between your alternator and the cig. lighter and brake lights. Good luck.
