AirCoolBill

My low beam headlights appeared to be surging brighter which was accompanied with a seat belt warning light which has happened several times recently. A search of the threads found similar references all pointing to an over charging condition. A check of voltage with the car running indicated normal readings.

I decided to go further and brought the car to have the battery checked as a start. The battery was about 25% low in cranking capacity and during the test the a system was charging at 16+ volts. I replaced the battery and installed a plug in volt meter to monitor.

I checked the car cold for voltage which was again normal with the car running. I took the car for a 20 min drive. It was reading 14.4V during the drive with the exception of a spike to 17+V while starting from a stop. Upon returning I shut the car off and let it sit for 5-10 min. Upon restart the voltage went to 16+V and held steady. It would not be unusual to have a heat related problem with the alternator/regulator.

Give that it appears to be the original alternator/regulator I am planning to replace it based on this condition. Does anyone have any alternative thoughts on this problem.

Thanks,
Bill

Ed Hughes

Sounds like a good excuse to change the alternator.

911 Rod

Replace /rebiuld regulator, alternator and battery now.
If you go on a long trip you will boil over your battery.
Ask me how I know .....

wwest

First I would check/clean/burnish all connections, both battery posts, battery ground/chassis, intertie at starter solenoid, etc.

vracer

"And while you're in there" check that your present battery had a proper overflow tube. Neutralize bat. box and drain hole area.

tbanasiak

Replace the voltage regulator, that's the culprit. Easy DIY.

Ed Hughes

If I were pulling the alt, I'd either buy a new one, or a Bosch reman. I've not heard of anyone simply replacing the VR.

Radcap

Thats me, replaced the VR went through all that trouble just to go and do it again to replace the alternator anyway. Skip the first step and save the trouble of doing it twice. Easy 1/2 day by yourself or a whole day with help....haha


Rod,

AirCoolBill

Apparently there is no way to know which product is in the car. It appears that it is likely the Paris Rhone. Was Bosch an OE supplier or an aftermarket replacement? Do the remanufactured units have a poor history?

tbanasiak

That's exactly what I did, just replaced the VR. 2 years later+ no issues.

dshepp806

The VRs can, alone, fail.

BEST!

Doyle

Ed Hughes

See post two notches up from yours.

vracer

Just because 95% replace both, doesn't mean it's the wrong approach.

Ed Hughes

No, it doesn't, but I also view my time as valuable. Also, every time one takes the alt out, I feel they run the risk of damaging the fan or the shroud-both somewhat delicate after so many years, and very expensive.

More of a strategic move in my opinion.

wwest

After such a long period of time in a vehiclar engine compartment environment solid-state devices(***) have only one reason, mostly, for failing.

Overstress/HEAT.

*** Bridge diode rectifiers(6), VR switching transistor.

I would say that if you discover a need to replace slip ring brushes due to wear then replace the alternator assembly in whole.