Re: urq alternator bad?

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <199908101740.MAA39382@fluhr.austin.ibm.com> Fluhr writes:

> I found that one of my [many] electrical problems has to do with the
> alternator at idle.  The alternator cannot handle the electrical draw
> of the A/C system and the headlights at idle...the voltage drops
> down to below 12v at the alternator.  Once the revs get up to 1200
> or more the system is better, around 12.5v loaded (13.8v unloaded).
>
> Is this indicative of a dying alternator, or just normal?

No, it's indicative of a dead or unresponsive idle stabiliser controller
or valve.  Idle should be raised to compensate for either/or low voltage
and A/C on.

--
 Phil Payne
 UK Audi quattro Owners Club
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 0870 0883933