So how long were you driving with the light flickering? That is a sign the alternator is not working properly. If the light was to come on due to the belt or some other mechanical failure and you kept driving you would be in need of a engine. Now since the light was flickering most likely the "brushes" for the rotor are worn, these are attached to the voltage regulator. You can service these. With the engine running you should see ~13.5 to 14.2 volts. I would just suggest just getting a rebuilt alternator. While I prefer the Bosch or Beck Arnley rebuilds, recently I was desperate on a Sunday and got one from AutoZone. $79.99 for their rebuilt in Mexico. Worked perfectly, no noise, whine, and just over 14 volts. Hopefully it lasts for the customer. Dennis -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of ron johnson Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 4:35 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: charging light flickers I have a 91 Weekender. In the past few years, it has not been driven much and even less during Winter. Lately, the charging LED on the dash flickers. At > 40 mph it will go out, but comes back on. Last night near the end of a short drive, the headlights dimmed and the car lost power and died. Pushed it to the curb and came back this AM to evaluate. It started up okay and I was able to drive home- yay! LED still flickering so I do not want to drive anywhere I could get really stuck. I checked battery voltage - it is just hair under 12V (11.95). Is this low enough to implicate a battery change? Or, should I be concerned about the alternator? How does one test alternator function at home? Any suggestions welcome. thank you - Ron Johnson Portland, OR 91 Weekender - Betsy |
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