Alternator Advice

[mhyphenl 10 1 Cars]

I have a couple of issues that make me think there may be an alternator issue brewing. #

 

Firstly the charge light comes on after ignition, goes off if I rev the engine and stays off. It's not even on but dim like some have on here.

 

Also I get quite bad brightness variations when things like the indicators flash or put headlights on, especially noticeable on the dash lights but also I can hear it in the fan.

 

Is this a failing alternator? Voltage about 13.95 when running.

 

Would one with more Amps output be better if I need to replace?

[toolie72 67 1 Cars]

Headlight brightness at night-like going bit dim then bright is a good indicator that alternator is on its way out

If however you mean brightness of dashboard lights then remember that indicators,lights etc are on same column stalk so it's a possible cause. Also you need to be sure your dashboard lights resistor is ok and that you have no earth faults, for example a bad earth on rear light could affect front lights-power will always go the path of least resistance

 

Maybe a better check of your alternator would be current? Clamp testers are great for this-it might show fluctuations that you can't check at battery terminals

[sp_en_ny 17 1 Cars]

I had same issues about a year ago and was the alternator. Dash lights would dim, fan from heater would be more of a wheeze then blowing and the wipers dragged themselves across the windscreen and finally the radio would keep flicking on and off. Then for no reason suddenly everything would jump back to life and work normally. Replaced the alternator and never had an issue since.

[mhyphenl 10 1 Cars]

Is there a good high ampage alternator that is a direct fit, maybe from a later car?

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

Personally I'd have yours repaired by a good auto electrical place. Refit exactly where it came from and forget about it.