Dead Alternator

[WyattEarp]

Took the car out for a drive this afternoon and as I arrived home the battery light came on at an idle. Rev the car up to about 2500 and it almost goes out but not quite. As per the Bentley I checked the voltage at the battery.

Car off 12.75v
Car running at idle 12.25v
Car running at idle with lights/fogs on 11.92v
Increasing rpm has no effect however the batt light on dash does dim.

All battery connections are clean and tight.

Bentley seems to indicate alternator gave up the ghost. Sound correct?

[Justin@Athens]

Or just the voltage regulator. Depending on how frugal you are, how many miles are on the alternator, and whether you want to go through the hassle of pulling it later down the road...you might consider just replacing the VR. They are about $50

[WyattEarp]

I've only had the car a little less than a year. 104k miles. I have some service history from the prior owner but nothing before that. The alternator is either original or fairly old. Guess I should probably have the whole thing rebuilt locally or replace so I don't have to do it again.

[Justin@Athens]

Probably a good idea. Rebuild locally if you can. In the mean time, i'd leave the car in the garage.