Here is a new one for you, at least for me it is

atoyota4x4 · #1 01-30-2006, 10:52 AM

You can read my last couple of posts from my alternator problem I was having and it over charging and what not. Anyway, I got that all fixed but here is the weird thing. The little battery light started coming on and going off while driving. It never did that before, even when it was over charging. It seemed at first to be associated with turning things on in the car but now it doesn't. Its very infrequent. It stays off mostly. So, I went and bought one of the voltage indicators that you can put in your cig plug. Well, its reading 14.1 or so and when the light come on nothing changes on the readout. Not sure what it tripping the light. Anyone know exactly how that light works? I thought it was one of the wires that is part of the plug on the alternator. Its goofy and I'm not to worried about it as long as the voltage doesn't drop. Just thought I would throw this out there.

Matt

harrymay · #2 01-30-2006, 11:15 AM

i think it monitors the current or whatever from the battery, it is usually a good indicatior that you will need to replace your battery. expecially since it has been overcharging.

atoyota4x4 · #3 01-30-2006, 02:37 PM

Brand new battery was bought and installed at the same time as alternator.

canatto · #4 01-30-2006, 05:43 PM

When it turns on how long does it keep on? If it only flashes for a very short period of time your volt meter may not be quick enough to respond. This could happen when the belt slips momentarily due to belt becomes old or when there is something wrong with belt tensioner, or when there is oil/grease on the belt/pulleys. If it turns on and keeps on for so long as a few senconds and you don't have any response on the volt meter, I don't know what's going on then.

The "battery light" in a car is not a battery health indicator, but instead a battery charging status indicator. When it lights up you have a poor charging condition. A voltage of 14.1V sounds normal and healthy.

atoyota4x4 · #5 01-31-2006, 10:15 AM

The light will most of the time go right back off after coming on but there were instances when it would come on and stay on. At least long enough that I should have seen a voltage drop. So I'm not sure what the deal is.

I thought it could be the clutch pully on the alternator that was starting to fail but I really don't think thats the case because I can never see the voltage actually drop. Right now the light is not coming on any more so I have my fingers crossed.

atoyota4x4 · #6 02-02-2006, 02:29 PM

Looks like I'm having more problems with my alternator. I think it could be the clutch pulley on the alternator. Its acting very strange and thats the only think I have not fixed on it because you basically can't. I had my dad order me a brand new one ($95 his cost). So if this does not solve the problem, I will be very confused.

Current problem is the voltage drops and goes back up at random times seems to be tied to accelerating and deaccelerating. It even spiked a couple of times at over 15 volts while driving. I was monitoring it with a digital gauge in the cig plug. I think this is what killed my previous one and caused it to run at over 19 volts and blow the battery up. I think to much of that up and down blew out the regulator in it.

Anyway, I plan to work on it this evening. I will post an update later.

panzer dragoon · #7 02-02-2006, 03:21 PM

this is starting to sound like the typical Intrigue alternator collapsing field theory regulator problem. There is a new alternator part number that addresses the problem.

Do a search on this forum for "alternator" or "dimming headlights"

But your alternator is new or was replaced? (the regulator was replaced by your dad?)

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ght=alternator

My alternator acted up (lights dim etc.) when new, but has been good this winter. The lights would dim, but the service lights would never come on.

atoyota4x4 · #8 02-07-2006, 08:47 AM

Just an update. The plug on the car for the alternator was not fitting properly. I basicaly cut it off and spliced in a new one. This new plug fit was much better and everything is working great. I do however believe this loose connection is what caused the regulator to fail in the original one and cause it to put out over 19 volts and blow the top off the battery.

All is good and thanks to those who had their thoughts.

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