Thanks for the suggestions, Loren.

I will stop by Interstate batteries when I go to the store this afternoon
and have it all checked. They checked the battery back in May when I was
having problems getting it to stay charged and that's when it was
determined the alternator was bad. Haven't had any issues since then until
now. It seems like the cold weather really does this van in for some
reason.

We did get the alternator from the FLAPs but I don't think it was a rebuilt
one . . . ? I'll find the paperwork and see. I believe it had a warranty
for a year or two so if it is bad, it should be replaced, I hope.

If indeed I do need to replace voltage regulator, though, the local FLAPs
has an AC Delco for $79 and an Import Direct brand for $49. What is
recommended?

 *Wishing you success, love + fire in your belly*
*Annie Anderson* ~ Blogger, Designer, Thinker + Mom
Lover of cats, Apple, coffee, old VW's and biking.
Driver of Bartok ~ 1985 VW Vanagon GL
web: Bartok's Adventures <local.annieandersonblog.com/wp> email:
lsandrsn@gmail.com
*Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*

On Mon, Dec 5, 2011 at 10:17 AM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:

>  RE: Electrical problems that imply either battery or alternator problems
> Annie, you (or your mechanic) needs to put a volt meter on the battery and
> see what it reads, should be above 12 volts, preferably around 12.6 volts
> after sitting for a while.  Then, with engine running, check the voltage at
> the battery.  That should be well over 13 volts, close to 14 volts or
> better, if the alternator is doing it's job.  If the relatively new
> alternator was a rebuild from the local FLAPs failures are not uncommon.
> And batteries can go bad also, I had one fail completely just five months
> after the install.
>
>