Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003 15:19:56 +0000 From: Grunff <grunffnopsam.com> Subject: Re: Faulty alternator connection or a nuance of Saabs?
Jez wrote: > I've just had a vehicle recovery man jump start my 1988 Saab 9000 and then > quickly take a charge rate reading which showed the battery not being > charged. I made a 'phone call and when I returned he said that he had put > his hand down the back and nudged the alternator and was now getting a > charge reading. He therefore surmised that there is a loose wire to the > alternator. > > I then drove to my local garage and told them about it, but one of the > mechanics said that Saabs of about that age don't charge their batteries for > the first few minutes, and that this is probably what has happened. He said > he's no idea why they're like that, nor even whether they all do it, just > that he's come across it a few times. The alternator brushes wear with mileage, and usually need replacing at 100-150k. This is not peculiar to Saabs - all alternators do this. As for not charging for the first few minutes, I can't think of a conceivable mechanism that could account for this. It's a *very* odd think for a mechanic to say, especially if (s)he has any understanding of charging circuits. -- Grunff
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