Just as the subject says... My volts light came on in my 86 regal today, and the batt is new and the alt tests good... No one seems to know wtf it is, so I came to the experts... The light is faint, but on nonetheless... So I am at a loss... HELP!!! :blast: Thanks in advance!!
Inside your alternator is a part called a "diode trio". It is shorted and causing the light to come on. The alt. is probably charging OK.:Smarty:
I read something about that, but wasn't sure if that was it... Thank you very much... :TU: also... dumb question I suppose, but even with it charging if I drive it til I can replace that diode will it hurt anything? Secondly is it easier to replace the alt. or just the diode trio... I prolly need a new alt anyway, so I might go ahead and do that...
Probably not, the charging indicator never lights when you really have a charging problem anyway, unless you throw the belt. If you have never taken an alt. apart before, it would probably be easier to just get a new one. Besides, there are likely more worn parts in there than just a diode anyway.
:TU: Thank you immensely... I am the type of person that dwells on the smallest thing, so you just saved me a good night's rest. I prolly would have stayed awake till I figured it out... I am just gonna go get a new alt tomorrow, they are relatively cheap... :beer
