LongLiveThe3.2

All,

My 1987 Carrera (93k miles) has developed a new habit. When I am driving with RPMs under 2k, the little idiot light comes on with the battery icon on it... what does this mean?

If I'm driving above 2k RPMs the light goes out. Is my alternator failing? If so, will it gradually die or should I expect a sudden death?

I looked at my battery and everythign seems OK there - it's only 18 months old.

Many thanks!
-DanO

Amber Gramps

I think you are on the right track. I wouldn't hold off on a replacemant. Do a search on "alternator". even the new ones can be bad.

Marty916

My '87 did the same thing. The alternator was bad. It's easy enough to check. Use a voltmeter on across the battery terminals and have someone rev the motor. If the reading is below 12 volts and doesn't increase with engine revs it's the alternator. Mine did a sudden death failure, I got about 5 miles before everything went dead so you might want to address this before you find yourself stranded somewhere.

old man neri

Might also be worth it take a look at the belt and see it if it is properly tensioned, is there play in the bearing perhaps? It's free to look.

prials

It may not be the alternator. Check your voltage regulator first. Your symptoms sound symptomatic of a voltage regulator type failure. If voltage regulator checks out, then move on to the alternator.

butzip

+1 on the regulator $35 vs $350. easy fix cheap fix. Don't forget to disconnect the battery when you pull the alternator

ron mcatee

FYI, the voltage regulator is internal to the alternator on an 87 Carrera. Alternator has to be pulled if it is the volt regulator.

theiceman

Since your going to be pulling the alternator anyway may as well have it Refurbished

dshepp806

+1. How old is the alternator?

Doyle

LongLiveThe3.2

Guys,

Thanks for all the feedback and ideas. I believe the alternator is original (22+ years old). I will pull the alternator out and see how it and the VR look. The belt is new and has proper tension; It's not slipping. I have a refurb alternator (with new VR) ready to go in. I'll let you all know how it goes. Last time I took out the alternator it was a big PIA.

Thanks again,
-DanO