Classic/Antique Car Repair/generator light

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/10/2009


Question
I have a 78 olds delta 88 4 door, 350r engine. Last week my generator light came on. its kind of dim until u press the gas and revup the car and it gets bright. The car wasnt equipped with a generator it came with an alt. The battery, alt, and belt are all new within 6 months. Is there a short sumwhere? Someone told me about a voltage regulator?? got no clue but would greatly appreciate any help i can get

Answer
The easy test for this condition is to first check the GAGES/TRANS fuse in the fuse block. If it is blown replace it. If it blows again the most common problem is the electric trunk release if you have that option on the car. That will blow the fuse if it is defective or shorted. If the fuse is ok the remove the two wire connector on the alternator with the engine running. If the light goes out then the problem is internal in the alternator, probably the diode trio and the alternator will have to come off and be bench rebuilt. Try these items and if the light is still on let me know.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.