I think my alternator might be going bad... when I step on the gas, my heater fan slows down and my lights dim a little... would I be correct in assuming this is an alternator problem? (I know, go get it tested, and I will, I'm just wondering if my guess is correct, before I take it to a shop)

If I need to replace it, should I go with a stock one, or upgrade to a more powerful one? I'm planning on installing a winch, lights and ARB lockers/compressor some time in the future....

With all of this stuff, will I need a larger alternator, or just a bigger battery?

thanks for the help,
Paul

If you've got a multimeter around you could check the output of the alternator while running. Should be in the range of 13.6 - 14.2V. If not, pull it and bring it in.

- Jim

Out of necessity, IÆve become something of an expert on this subject.

With my 1997 Rodeo, the general rule became ôWhen in doubt, swap it outö.


From the way that you phrased your questions, I will assume that youÆve already read-up on the subject (and if so, youÆve probably read at least one of the chapters of my alternator adventures), so IÆll skip past a whole bunch of the things that I would usually say, straight to this:


If you plan on running a winch, and a bunch of other accessoriesà then YES, you will most likely want a higher output alternator (at some point) û and probably a good-strong battery too.


All I can tell you about the 7 (or 8 û or maybe 9) remanufactured alternators that I had is thisà THEY STUNK! --- At the very least, get a NEW one û But since you plan to add all of those toys, you might want to get one the AlterStart units that IÆm getting soon.

(Sorry - YouÆll have to search æAlterStartÆ yourselfà Miss Kathy is calling for me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> )


HTH! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


Cheers! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Smiley

when you have your alternator tested, you need to make sure they check the output of the L terminal as well (which they typically overlook). The L-terminal supplys power directly to the blower fan... this is seperate from the normal charge wire.

Its possible to have an alternator thats pumping out normal charge to the battery, but has a faulty L-terminal and therefor no blower fan.

-Rob