[alfa] 164 charging circuit

["Nathan Goyette" <nathan_goyette@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

    My 164L did this for years, and my SAAB of the same vintage also has
this behavior, the voltage is low until the motor revs to about 1200 RPM,
then it stays steady at 14V.  I've had two mechanics tell me that this is
due to burned out diodes in the alternator, and that it's not really a big
deal.

> Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 10:53:59 -0700
> From: "Obie Fayth" <bibendum59@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] 164 charging circuit
>
>      Over the past several weeks I've noticed that it usually takes a
slight
> tap on the accelerator in order to make the charging indicator light turn
> off after starting my 164. When this first started happening the voltage
> meter on the dash would indicate ~12v (after starting, but before
revving),
> but lately it has dropped into the 8v range. Usually when this happens I
> also get a couple of reluctant chirps from the alarm siren while cranking.
> After the car starts and I tap the accelerator the voltage jumps up to its
> usual 14.x volt output.
>      Does the 8v after starting point to a weak battery since its voltage
> seems to drop too far when a load is applied? Does having to rev the
engine
> to activate the charging circuit indicate a failing component in the
> alternator?
>
> I'm going to start by cleaning all of the contacts in the charging
circuit,
> but if that doesn't help I just wanted to have some other ideas for things
> to check.
>
> thanks in advance,
> - -Obie
> Tacoma, Wa.
> '91 164S and others
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