Alternator warning light....

[bill mateer]

Hello...

recently my alternator warning light will stay on 10-15 seconds after a cold start, only on colder morning...Tested voltage of battery[good], and while running[good]..Alternator seems to be OK. Also, when the warning light goes out a buzzer comes on for about 5 secs, I think the same buzzer that goes off when you open the car door, very interesting...

Anyway, if anyone has experienced a similar situation any help would be greatly appreciated..

Car is a 79 SC...

thanks...

[bigchillcar]

Hi Bill,

My car's a '74, but I've had recent alt. light issues myself. Your situation may not be that uncomon in light of the extra load placed upon a battery when it's very cold outside, but you should know your car. How long have you owned it? Is this your first winter coming on with the car? 10-15 seconds though seems maybe a little longer that I would expect. On my car, it's not unusual for the light to be on after starting until the revs get high enough to 'bring it online'. I recently replaced my voltage regulator, an external one, and now this happens at 1500 rpm's...it used to have to take 2500 rpm's to do it. I'm guessing that if your car is a '79 that your alt. has an internal regulator, but if not, I'd remove it and take it to an alternator shop for a quick bench test. If this thing acts up, you could see such problems and would be a $30 fix. If it's the alternator and you can do the work of pulling it for someone to rebuild, figute $60, otherwise expect a wrench to charge on the order of $500.

Anyway, I'm rambling now and getting late for work...and probably not offering much help! Get the feeling that I'd rather ramble than work?!

Ryan