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Re: Volt Idiot light ? Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Tue, 7 Aug 2001 13:45:33 In Reply to: Volt Idiot light ?, Rob Catron, Mon, 6 Aug 2001 20:23:49 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
That light (aka Alternator Light) comes on when the alternator isn't producing current. When the engine is running, the alternator provides most all the electrical needs of the car, and replenishes the battery after the task of starting.
When you start the car, you start on the battery, but the alternator takes over. The light staying on indicates the alternator is taking a little time to take over. In order for the alternator to produce current, it needs to be spinning. Sometimes, with some alternators, they need just a little 'goosing' to flip over into producing current. There is a good technical explaination for this concerning the bootstrapping of current through the field coils, but I won't go there now.
So - if this happens occasionally, no big thing - don't worry. If you need to rev the engine a lot to get the light to go out, or if the light EVER comes on while driving, or even while idling, then you should do something about it. That something is usually replacing the brushes in the alternator. They do wear out over time. The brushes are built into the voltage regulator, so the easiest approach is to replace the regulator. (if you're really handy, you can unsolder the old brushes and solder in new, but I never bother) It's bolted to the back of the alternator, and is very easy to replace in a 900. A new one costs about $50 or so.
I've had cars do it for years with no problems. If it gets worse, and your belts are in good shape and properly tensioned, replace the voltage regulator.
good luck!
posted by 140.157....
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