1990 Blazer - Alternater/Charge light

[plj36608]

Problem that has been going on for several months. Appox 1 year ago had alternater replaced. several months later charge light came on, and alternater was replaced. A couple of weeks later it started again - this time it would go off and on and sometimes flicker. Replaced alternater again. Several weeks later same thing - this time replaced pigtail switch. Yesterday after getting gas - charge light came on real dim, went off after driving about half a mile. This am - charge light was on when I started up - and stayed on until I was about 2-3 mile down the road. Flickered and went out when I went around big curves. If it means anything - I also had the Starter replaced in the last year . HELP.

[MT-2500]

Welcome to AF.
When the light is on get the charging system and battery system checked.
Is the light coming on bright or just a real dim light?
Are you using a good quality rebuilt alt or a brand new one?
Do they have a warranty on them?
A bright alt light usually means it is not charging.
MT

[plj36608]

Last night when it happened - the light was very dim - and went off after driving about a mile. This morning - light was very bright - but as I drove became dimmer - then started flashing on & off then went off and stayed off until I got to work. I have not gone anywhere else yet today. I believe all the alternaters that have been put on were rebuilt - and warrentied, they have not charged me for switching them out.

[MT-2500]

You need to test the charging system at the time the light is on bright.
I have had some that will have a dim light aused by feed back.
But it should no be bright.
Also check for proper charging voltage when it acts up.
And make sure battery and cabels and ends are good.
If charging good you should have between 14-14.5 volts

I would pitch the rebuilt alts and get a brand new one.

[plj36608]

Is it possible to find new alternaters for 18 yr old cars? - How much $$$ are we talking about?

[MT-2500]

Yes.
Most auto parts places offer aftermarket brand new alternators at a good price.
Sometimes not mush more than the rebuilt ones.
Give them a call or go by and see what they have.
If your rebuilt is bad again they may give you credit from it on a brand new one.
Good luck And let us know how it goes.

[plj36608]

Just wanted to let you know that the problem was two wires behind the alternater that had been chewed by critters. One wire had about 1 inch of insulation knawed off and the other one was less chewed , but still had some copper exposed - everything running great for now. Thanks for the help.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by plj36608

Just wanted to let you know that the problem was two wires behind the alternater that had been chewed by critters. One wire had about 1 inch of insulation knawed off and the other one was less chewed , but still had some copper exposed - everything running great for now. Thanks for the help.

You are welcome.
And thanks for posting back how it went.
It must have been a little more bit than exposed copper.
Like bit all of the way threw or shorted out.
Glad you got it going.
MT