Hello All,

1993 Red Wagon with 150K.

When I checked today, under the load of lights, blower motor, wipers, defoggers, the voltage at the battery was 13.6+/- volts, which I believe is OK. It's over 14 with no load and the engine idling. With a cold engine the battery reads about 12.45v.

However, I notice a slight glow from the warning lamp from time to time when I'm on the road and lots of electrical accessories and headlights are in use. In addition, I notice the glow, although slight, brightens in cadence to turn signals. Is it telling me something I should heed.

I plan on changing out the voltage regulator during my next oil change.

Thanks,

Marty Wolfson

"I plan on changing out the voltage regulator during my next oil change."

Marty, I hope it lasts til your next oil change. I had about 4 days from the time the voltmeter started twitching until complete failure of the alt and left me stranded.
--
1986 Volvo 245

I would bet on the brushes also.

My original alternator made it to approximately 245K miles before one of the brushes was fully consumed.

I decided to remove my alternator so that I could also replace the bracket bushings.

I cut out a small piece of emory cloth and held it inside where the regulator mounts and polished the internal contacts. I held the emory cloth in place and rotated the pulley. Nice and shiney inside. Not quite as quick of a job as removing the regulator unit while the alternator is still installed in the car.

Don't forget to disconnect the battery before you start!


--
If it needs to be maintained, repaired or replaced on a 1990 240, I've probably done it. '90 240DL, 255K looking forward to 300K badge (or sticker??). >>You haven't really worked on a car until you draw blood<< :-}

Your battery and alternator output values look a little low on both counts. My guess would be the voltage regulator, or more precisely, the brushes in the voltage regulator assembly. Easy and cheap to fix-- use a small impact driver on the screws that hold the assembly in place.

Good luck!

my bright red '93 had the same condition for awhile, and I just put a reman alternator on it after a complete failure last week. it fried some little device on the back of the alternator (capacitor?) and not wanting to take chances with reliability, I just replaced the whole damn thing for $119.



Oilspot- '93 245 auto 204k '90 245 manual 245k

I think it's trying to tell you the brushes are nearly worn down on the regulator. Dan

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the response. That's what I thought, too except my thinking was more of a guess.

Marty

You will know for sure when you pull it out. You can replace the brushes and have a spare regulator just in case. Dan