Alternator on way out??

[gavs]

Hi all,

I thought my battery was on it's way out so I did a check of the charging system. I have been noticing that at night, with the headlights on, when I hit the brakes the headlights dim and now they also dim in sequence with the indicators. Turns out that it looks like the alternator is going a tad bung.

Has anyone else had this happen? If so, what am I going to be wearing for a replacement, new or reco'd?

Cheers,
Gav

[JustCruisn]

Have you checked the current coming from the alternator ? it may be the battery it is the time of year for them.

[gavs]

Yeah, battery tested fine, well the meter showed it was fine, it was the charging current coming from the alternator that was lowish. As soon as headlights, radio, AC and interior lights came on, with each accessory, the charge meter dropped.

[Jmac]

To verify the alternator mate do an AC over DC test. So what i mean by that is connect the multimeter as you would to check the 12v DC. Then select your AC and watch your multimeter. If you are getting more than 0.060 AC then the field diodes or rectifier is stuffed. If you are testing in DC load the system up and check the charge rate. A good alternator will be charging at 13.9 optimum mate. Also check your earths, but sounds like you have nailed it anyway
Good luck
Jmac

[gavs]

A good alternator will be charging at 13.9 optimum mate.

Righto, will check again this weekend, I am really keeping things crossed that it's not the alternator...