Should/Can I drive my car like this?

[ErikT]

My car is an 86 Carrera.

I replaced the alternator with a rebuilt one... however when the lights are on and the car revs over 1500 RPM, the Alternator Light starts to glow. It glows very dimly and gets progressively brighter as the RPMs increase.

Today, I replaced the battery with a brand new one from Auto Zone, however the problem still remains: Alt Light Goes on at Revs when lights are on.

This is my daily driver vehicle.... and I am scheduled to drive 100+ miles on Tuesday and 250+ miles on Wednesday.

I will not be able to get a replacement alternator until the end of the week.

Is there any potential to damage my car, or have the car die when it is in this condition? Id hate to be stranded again....

Thanks...

[silverc4s]

I would be concerned about damaging your DME if you have a faulty regulator / alternator.
Is that the same symptoms as before the replaced alt??

[SC-targa]

I wouldn't drive it until I figured out what was going on. Have you checked it with a voltmeter or and ammeter?

Jerry Kroeger

[ErikT]

Yes... voltage appears to be within tolerance and spec, though a bit on the low side.

I dont remember the exact numbers but it was close to the range specified in Bentley Manual, when not started, at idle and also when over 2000 RPM

[juanbenae]

could you have reattched something out of place? wires swapped?

[ErikT]

Not likely, there are three wires (actually 4 but 2 are grounds) and I hooked them up exactly as was before to the proper terminals...

I may just pull it out and check it again tonight. The belt is totally tight. Guess Id better get to work on it...

[afterburn 549]

Diod out in alt.??