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Alternator Light and Daytime Headlights
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criminalist
New User
Nov 7, 2007, 10:59 AM
Post #1 of 5
(3314 views)
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Alternator Light and Daytime Headlights
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Hi. I have a 2000 Tracker (yeah, I know). The battery/alternator light started flashing at 65mph (about 3,000 rpm). My mechanic said he never saw it flash. (Yes, I know it's called an alternator light, but not everyone knows that.)
While behind a truck with a shiny tailgate, I noticed that my daytime running lights went out when the battery/alternator light flashed. However, if the nighttime headlights were on, they stayed on.
Monday, the light stayed on constantly below 2,500 rpm, but went out above 2,500 and less than 3,000. Tuesday, it would stay on under the same rpm, but once the engine was warm, it stayed on constantly. When I arrived home, the airbag light was lit. I attached a slow trickle charger. The vehicle started on Wednesday afternoon and I drove two miles, left the engine running, drove home. Almost home the vehicle died, but since it was rolling, I popped the clutch and it restarted. On the way home, the airbag light started flashing and the vehicle bucked once or twice. The airbag light went out when the battery/alternator light went out. I drove home and parked in the garage. I have had the slow trickle charger on it since 4:00 p.m. yesterday and it is 1:00 p.m. now. The charger reads "charging".
The battery cables are secure. The v-belts were replaced recently. No squealing sound under the hood.
So, do I need a new battery or a new alternator? 
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DrElectrics
Enthusiast
Nov 7, 2007, 3:15 PM
Post #2 of 5
(3309 views)
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Re: Alternator Light and Daytime Headlights
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New Alternator. The fact your car can start ok is a plus and itdicates your battery is ok. Trickle chargers are ok, but not designed to charge batteries fast. The reason your light goes off at higher RPM's is because your ALT works harder, therefore your ECM picks up current coming from yoru ALT and recognises a charge, the lower the RPM, the less the ALT pulley spins, the less charge you are getting. ALT is a sure replacement, but take it to a mech, and he might analyse it as, Regulator, Rectifier, stator or brushes. All cheaper than a new one. Also get yoru battery tested.
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criminalist
New User
Nov 7, 2007, 5:19 PM
Post #3 of 5
(3307 views)
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Re: Alternator Light and Daytime Headlights
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I was praying it was the battery. I just spent $2,000 replacing the front crossmember. (A week before I received notice from Chevy that it can be done as a campaign. I have to wait at least six weeks to be reimbursed.) The month before that: converter at $300.
I can't afford a new alternator. It just had a remanufactured one installed July 2005.
I'm just going to junk it.
Thanks for your help.
Oh, the reason I didn't take it to a mechanic is that he never noticed the light flash in the first place. The others in the area aren't trustworthy (learnt by experience).
Thanks for your help.
Cass
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DrElectrics
Enthusiast
Nov 7, 2007, 6:34 PM
Post #4 of 5
(3304 views)
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Re: Alternator Light and Daytime Headlights
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Dang, sorry i couldnt of been more "hand on" help. If you wanna fly me there i can fix it for ya . Just know that this is only my opinion on the problem. It may not actually be what is happening. My advice to you is at least get an identification of problem quote. At least then you'll know what you'll be up for.
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criminalist
New User
Nov 8, 2007, 6:29 AM
Post #5 of 5
(3302 views)
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Re: Alternator Light and Daytime Headlights
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Well, if I can get it to the Chevy dealer, I'll have one of them check it for me. (I don't trust them, either. They're the ones who didn't tell me about the campaign on the problem I was having with my Tracker's crossmember.)
If I could afford to fly ya here, I could afford a new car!!!!
If all else fails, I'll call my ex and have him check it. (That requires saying no to quite a few things.)
Thanks again.
Cass
By the way, in my original message, did I mention the tachometer bouncing around duing the last half mile home? Does that make a difference in the diagnosis?
(This post was edited by criminalist on Nov 8, 2007, 6:30 AM)
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