Re: Voltage regulator/alternator problems/questions.................. - Saab 900 Bulletin Board - Saabnet.com
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Re: Voltage regulator/alternator problems/questions..................
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Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Thu, 3 May 2001 11:28:00 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Voltage regulator/alternator problems/questions.................., MichaelG, Thu, 3 May 2001 09:11:01
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Some grooves are normal, because the brushes press against the slip rings (actual name is commutator). If the brushes wore down, the commutator material will also, just slower.

There are no positive and negative commutator bars - the alternator provides AC, and a diode pack makes DC out of it. The commutators should be a bright brass/copper color where the brushes make contact, and probably a dull brown where the brushes don't.

Try a few tests - with the car at idle, turn on every accessory you've got, turn on the headlights, fan to high and AC on. Then step on the brake pedal. Does the battery light come on? Next, with the engine warm, rev the engine to about 4,000 rpm or more. Does the Battery light flicker on?

If the answer is no, then you're probably OK for now. If the brushes are making poor contact, that would show up with high electrical loads at idle, when the alternator has the least capability to output current. If the commutator is in bad shape such as high spots or intermittent contact, you'd tend to see that at high RPM, when the brushes can actually bounce off the commutator for a bit.

If the battery light glows dimly or flickers under these tests, think about replacing the alternator.

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