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Subject:Re: charging light flickers
From:Richard Koerner
Date:Mon, 1 Apr 2013 14:56:29 -0700

How many miles on alternator?� Could be the brushes are worn and not really making solid contact anymore.� I changed mine (preventative, was working just fine) at about 180K and brushes were worn about 80%.� Just an idea.� Not saying for sure this is the problem.

Other people suggest replacing whole alternator as bearings are worn too.� 

Rich
San Diego

> Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:34:30 -0700
> From: rcj.yes@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: charging light flickers
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> 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
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