Is the Alternator going...going...gon...

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Author Message   Joe B. Posted on Tuesday, July 02, 2002 - 07:05 pm:    Hey Guys, I have a 99 Disco I with 55,000 miles on it. Recently the dash and head lights started flickering at idle. Under way they seem to stop flickering. It seems awful early for an alternator but... Does anyone have any other ideas. If it is the alternator, I found a Bosch (new) for 329. Is that the way to go? Thanks, Joe   Mike B. Posted on Tuesday, July 02, 2002 - 07:39 pm:    I'm no expert in things electrical, but I've been watching my alternator a lot lately (recent winch addition). Hook up your volt meter to your battery. Check the voltage with the engine off and at idle. If it's under 13.4 volts at idle, then your alternator is probably on it's way south or you have a pretty big short someplace. Advance the throttle to see where you are at 'break even' (13.4 volts). Here are some of my readings. A fully charged battery should read about 12.5 volts. With all accessories off, and the key turned on, the voltage drops to 12.25 volts. At idle (900 to 1000 rpm), my 98 Disco reads 13.94 volts. The Discount Auto Parts place here has a cool tool that they can use to tell you the health of your electrical system and your battery. It's free and only takes a minute or two. I'd run by to have them give you a free diagnosis. Thanks, Mike B.   Chris Brown Posted on Tuesday, July 02, 2002 - 08:57 pm:    Just curious....where did you find the Bosch? I know I have an alternator problem...but I have only been quoted for a rebuild at $372...plus a core charge of $75. Thanks! Chris Brown '94 Disco   Joe B. Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 08:45 am:    I found the Bosch at NAPA in Charlotte, NC. One day turn around. 704.588.3135 PEP Boys also had a unit for 289.89 But, it would take 5 days to get... 704.845.5980 I hope this helps. What ever you do, don't go back to the dealer! Later, Joe   Chris Brown Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 01:13 pm:    no way! Thanks Joe....it's also cheaper than the Denso unit Atlantic British is selling... Thanks much... Chris Brown '94 Disco   Chris Brown Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 01:13 pm:    no way! Thanks Joe....it's also cheaper than the Denso unit Atlantic British is selling... Thanks much... Chris Brown '94 Disco   Greg French Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 01:14 pm:    DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT Buy a Bosch Rebuild!!! I went through 4 of them last summer. They would last anywhere from 2 days to a month. The last one caught on fire. Luckilly, I put it out before it caused any damage. Bosch sent me a brand spanking new murelli and a check for 25 bucks for all of my trouble. The best way to tell if it is your alt. is to remove the (-) wire from the battery while it is running. If the engine stops, it is your alt. If it keeps running, it is something else.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 02:38 pm:    Joe, Check the routing on your serpentine belt. FWIW.... -L   Brian Posted on Saturday, July 06, 2002 - 12:18 pm:    My dash lights and stereo light dims noticeably when I turn on my headlights. Fearing my alternator, I just checked on a rebuilt one (Duralast) at Autozone.com. It cost about 170.00 w/core. It might or might not be worth it to you. I do not know how long it takes to get it because they have to special order it. I live in Charlotte also.