Alternator?

[tweetdriver63]

Yesterday, when I left work, I noticed a new problem...maybe. It was dark out, and I noticed the light from my headlights wasn't steady. There was sort of a pulsating effect. The Volts were reading 14, which is actually slightly higher than it normally reads (it's usually about 13.5). Is this an indication of a failing alternator, or is there maybe a voltage regulator going bad? IIRC, the voltage regulator is part of the alternator, not separate like in the old days.

If I have to replace the alternator, how the hell do you get to it? It looks like a bear of a job that I might just pay somebody to do.

[Doug]

if the dash gauge is working right, then keep you eye on it a lot and see what's going on

likely a local auto parts store can test the alternator's output for free in the parking lot . . .

[tweetdriver63]

The gauge was showing 14V with a very slight (you had to look closely to see it) oscillation corresponding to what the lights were doing.

I'm pretty sure the local AutoZone store can check it for me. They just aren't really experts. When I go inside and ask them if they can come out and check my alternator, they'll probably ask what kind of car I have, then when I say "Lotus Elan," they'll say something like, "Lotus? Who makes that?"

[Doug]

. . . then when I say "Lotus Elan," they'll say something like, "Lotus? Who makes that?"

then you open the hood and point and say "Isuzu, of course!"

[tweetdriver63]

. . . then when I say "Lotus Elan," they'll say something like, "Lotus? Who makes that?"

then you open the hood and point and say "Isuzu, of course!"