Uh oh...., Generator light... Options

[wrpspddrvr]

Hi all. A little red light popped on tonight.It has a "G" with a circle around it. My first thought was gas, but I filled it up and it didn't go away. The tach and fuel guage go to 0 when I hit the brakes. I think my alternator is dying. Yes? No? Please help!
If it is my alt., can I get one at Autozone?

Cole (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/monkeydance.gif)

[lapuwali]

QUOTE (mikez @ Mar 11 2005, 04:34 PM)

Got a Fluke or a volt meter? Check the volts at the battery...12.5 at rest....13+ at idle, 13,5 to 14 at 2500 rpms.... If it stays flatline at 12 ish yer alt is most likely dead....could be a regulator or a lose wire...but most likely the alt.... (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif)

It can also be the battery, or the regulator, or the wiring between all three, as well as the alternator itself.

If the G light is on only intermittently, it's probably wiring or the brushes in the alternator. If it's lit all the time, it's not likely to be brushes, but any of the other things can be possible.

If the battery volts are under 12.5 (engine off), it's likely the battery itself. If the headlights vary in brightness with engine revs, it's likely the regulator.

Tach and fuel gauge acting up with the brakes points more to a wiring problem.