Alt light problems...

[Anonymous]

Ok, well today my car started doing something weird. My alt light came on. Not all the way but just a little. I noticed that when i turned my heater on it light got brighter, and with my head lights on it got even more brighter. When i turned it all off, the light stayed on for a brief second, then went out.

TO me it sounds like my alt isnt putting out enough juice to keep my battery topped off. I dont think my alt is bad, as it is only about a year and a half old. Its a 90 amp alt by the way. Any ideas of whats wrong?

 

[rbohm]

8) sounds liek you have a diode or two burnt out. have the alt checked, regulator also, and one more thing, replace the condensor. i had ot on my merc.

 

[Anonymous]

Usually, if it is 1 or 2 diodes, the light will flicker.

 

[Lazy JW]

Do the simple stuff first. Check the wiring connections at the alternator, make sure they are clean and tight. Clean the battery terminals and the ground connections. Make SURE that the regulator is grounded (if it is externally regulated). Tighten or replace the alternator belt. Then use a voltmeter to check the charging voltage at the battery, with and without load (lights, etc.) You may well be in need of a new alt/reg, but eliminate the easy stuff first, then you can be sure. I have seen every one of the things I mentioned above cause similar symptoms.
Joe