1995 D1 - Low Alternator Output at Warm Idle

[RVR OVR]

I had my alternator rebuilt to give out more amps to support an upgraded stereo. However, I kept getting the battery light on the dash so I bought one of those cigarette lighter voltage gauges to get some insight into what was going on.

It turns out that the voltage is fine when I first turn on the car and the idle is higher. As it warms up and the idle slows, it can dip below 13 even if just my heater or lights are on by themselves. It can also dip with nothing turned on when at a stop light when in (D) and the idle may dip a little more than when in park.

If you do typical alternator tests as specified at 3000 RPM, it works great and puts out plenty of power. The voltage meter in the cigarette lighter looks great as well.

Any thoughts?

Tom

 

[jymmiejamz]

Sounds like an issue with the rebuilt alternator. If you have a spare one throw that on. That will help to isolate whether the issue is with the vehicle or the rebuilt alternator.

 

[p m]

Rebuilding an alternator

This is a half-rant, half-write-up on the sore subject - how to get a working alternator when you need it. It directly applies to serpentine-belt 14CUX and GEMS engines, but I suspect ROW 300TDi and others are not much different, generally. Bear with me. If you're like me, every corner of your...

nas-row.com

 

[discostew]

Does the battery light come on? Do the lights dim? I would check your grounds and what have you also.

 

[RVR OVR]

Rebuilding an alternator

This is a half-rant, half-write-up on the sore subject - how to get a working alternator when you need it. It directly applies to serpentine-belt 14CUX and GEMS engines, but I suspect ROW 300TDi and others are not much different, generally. Bear with me. If you're like me, every corner of your...

nas-row.com

That is a fantastic write up...but way more work than I want to invest.

 

[p m]

That is a fantastic write up...but way more work than I want to invest.

Thanks; however, changing the regulator/brushes unit is easy-peasy, and swapping the rectifier is just a little more involved.
You are true in a "time spent" sense - if you value your time, spending three hours on a weekend on what could be purchased for a hundred bucks is questionnable. My goals with the rebuild were two: I no longer trust ANY rebuilder, and a brand-new alternator is no longer a Ben Franklin; and I would rather keep ten ounces of spare alternator parts on a long trip than a 15-pound alternator.

 

[RVR OVR]

yeah...if i had a few less projects that I am turning wrenches on it would be fun to take on. I focus my wrenches on my dirt bikes and UTV and send my Rover to the mechanic. It is not my off road toy anymore, more of a poser show piece since it turned 25 and still looks really good, but I know the capabilities are there if I need them.