So how long were you driving with the light flickering? That is a sign the
alternator is not working properly. If the light was to come on due to the
belt or some other mechanical failure and you kept driving you would be in
need of a engine. Now since the light was flickering most likely the
"brushes" for the rotor are worn, these are attached to the voltage
regulator. You can service these. With the engine running you should see
~13.5 to 14.2 volts. I would just suggest just getting a rebuilt alternator.
While I prefer the Bosch or Beck Arnley rebuilds, recently I was desperate
on a Sunday and got one from AutoZone.  $79.99 for their rebuilt in Mexico.
Worked perfectly, no noise, whine, and just over 14 volts. Hopefully it
lasts for the customer.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
ron johnson
Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 4:35 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: charging light flickers

I have a 91 Weekender. In the past few years, it has not been driven much
and even less during Winter. Lately, the charging LED on the dash flickers.
At > 40 mph it will go out, but comes back on. Last night near the end of a
short drive, the headlights dimmed and the car lost power and died. Pushed
it to the curb and came back this AM to evaluate. It started up okay and I
was able to drive home- yay! LED still flickering so I do not want to drive
anywhere I could get really stuck.

I checked battery voltage - it is just hair under 12V (11.95). Is this low
enough to implicate a battery change? Or, should I be concerned about the
alternator? How does one test alternator function at home?

Any suggestions welcome.

thank you -
Ron Johnson
Portland, OR

91 Weekender - Betsy