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Is it the alternator or VR? Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:28:33 In Reply to: saab 900 alternator, Bernie [Profile/Gallery] , Mon, 19 Jul 2004 11:53:03 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Alternators rarely go bad. An alternator is just a hunk of spinning wire, inside another hunk of non-spinning wire. About all that can go bad is the bearings.
I assume the problem is an Alternator (or BAT) light. This could be due to a bad diode inside the alternator - if so, replacing the alternator is a solution. However, the most likely problem is the voltage regulator, more specifically, the brushes mounted on it. These wear down. I would replace the VR first. Easy and cheap.
Remove the negative lead to the battery, for safety. The VR is the diamond-shaped device on the back of the alternator - very easy to access. remove the two screws, and pop the VR out. Pop in a new one (about $50 from a decent autoparts store).
Again, I'm assuming you've got a BAT light, and if you stick a voltmeter on the battery when the car is running, you see less than 12.5 volts. If not, please post the symptoms.
posted by 192.249....
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