My alternator light recently started becoming slightly illuminated (almost
blinking) while driving the car. Being that I just replaced the alternator
about a year and half ago, I figured the belt was slightly loose or
something. I checked the belt, everything seems fine. At this point I
began thinking that I probably just had a bad alternator, and would need to
replace it (yet again - for the 4th or 5th time).
But, I noticed about 5 minutes ago that when the ignition is on (car not
running), the alternator light is not illuminating at all. Normally with
the key in the first position (ignition on), the oil pressure light blinks,
and the alternator light is steady on (correct?) If my alternator was bad,
the light would still illuminate when the ignition is switched on, right?
Even if the regulator was shot, I should still see the light on steady when
the ignition is switched on. What is the story here? I'll have to take a
voltage measurement off of the alternator tomorrow to see what its pushing
out (should be 14.4v I think).
Thoughts? Before I go out and buy another alternator? :)
Thanks in advance.
Denis G.
87 gti 16v
