[urq] Alternator question / in need of help real soon.

[Djdawson2 at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/11/2006 4:34:43 PM Mountain Standard Time,  
urq at moregraphics.nl writes:

Haynes  says when the voltage regulator is faulty, the light doesn't stay on. 
It says  off when most likely the alternator (brush) is at fault, is this  
correct?



I'm assuming that with a jump, you can get the car running?  If you  can, I 
would simply measure the voltage (when running) coming directly off the  
alternator (after you've disconnected the jumper cables).  If it is not  producing 
at least the same voltage seen at your battery, you are either missing  the 
voltage signal to the alternator that excites it, or it (alt) is shot.
 
The alternator output, when measured at the output post, should be at least  
13.5 volts.  I'd say that 7 out of 10 times, a simple replacement of the  
regulator (which includes the brushes) will allow you to get another life out of  
the unit.  Replacing it is as simple as they get, being held in place by 2  
machine screws.
HTH,
Dave