Does anybody know............... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WRMZ71 · 12-04-2003, 11:08 PM

Does anybody know exactly what is happening when the generator light in your dash panel comes on? I looked this up in the haynes manual and they don't say anything about it. I got these new cool blue lights for my 71 but they don't make a dang bit of difference cause my alternator won't charge 14-15 volts on a consistent basis. When its working right it'll chargeabout 14.6 volts but the other half of the time it only charges just about 12. It's not enough to kill my battery or keep from firing her up every morning but dangit its annoying that the dumb dash light won't go out. Can anybody help me please???? THANKS

oldtrucknut · 12-04-2003, 11:31 PM

fix it the redneck way- with a piece of tape, or just pull the light!

*rage'nrat638* · 12-04-2003, 11:31 PM

convert over to a internal reg.alt....
i am going to soon.....

got a couple laying around....just need to get them tested

cableguy0 · 12-05-2003, 12:14 AM

it means your alternator is on its way out most likely replace it and the regulator or switch to a one wire setup

Longhorn Man · 12-05-2003, 12:37 AM

I wouldn't go with a one wire personally, but a later model internally regulated unit is a great upgrade.

Baradium · 12-05-2003, 12:38 AM

The light probobly means the alternator is failing or you having a wiring fault somewhere.

Tx Firefighter · 12-05-2003, 12:50 AM

Intermittant problem is usually the voltage regulator.

Alternator failing usually just happens all at once.

Everybody praises 1 wire alternators, but they do have downsides. They always stay energized, so they slowly deplete your battery over time if you don't drive it often enough.

Also, when you start a vehicle up with a 1 wire, you have to rev it up to get it to start charging each time.

Longhorn Man · 12-05-2003, 12:54 AM

That and getting parts while on a road trip or right before a trip (or just to get to work the next day) can be an ordeal.
Besides...what is 2 more whires gonna hut asteticly? If you tie them back and rout them good, they can be almost invisible.

tomsC10R · 12-05-2003, 02:17 AM

Try tapping the voltage regualtor, it worked for me once. It's worth a shot, maybe you need a new one.

Tom

12-04-2003, 11:08 PM	#1
WRMZ71 Cause the Chicks DIG IT!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Beaufort SC Posts: 509	Does anybody know............... Does anybody know exactly what is happening when the generator light in your dash panel comes on? I looked this up in the haynes manual and they don't say anything about it. I got these new cool blue lights for my 71 but they don't make a dang bit of difference cause my alternator won't charge 14-15 volts on a consistent basis. When its working right it'll chargeabout 14.6 volts but the other half of the time it only charges just about 12. It's not enough to kill my battery or keep from firing her up every morning but dangit its annoying that the dumb dash light won't go out. Can anybody help me please???? THANKS

12-04-2003, 11:31 PM	#2
oldtrucknut 67-72 truck surgeon Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 155	fix it the redneck way- with a piece of tape, or just pull the light! __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 1993 Toyota Camry LE 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel 2008 Dodge Charger Super Bee 1953 International R182

12-05-2003, 12:14 AM	#4
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	it means your alternator is on its way out most likely replace it and the regulator or switch to a one wire setup __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-05-2003, 12:50 AM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Intermittant problem is usually the voltage regulator. Alternator failing usually just happens all at once. Everybody praises 1 wire alternators, but they do have downsides. They always stay energized, so they slowly deplete your battery over time if you don't drive it often enough. Also, when you start a vehicle up with a 1 wire, you have to rev it up to get it to start charging each time. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-04-2003, 11:31 PM	#3
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	convert over to a internal reg.alt.... i am going to soon..... got a couple laying around....just need to get them tested

12-05-2003, 12:37 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I wouldn't go with a one wire personally, but a later model internally regulated unit is a great upgrade.

12-05-2003, 12:38 AM	#6
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	The light probobly means the alternator is failing or you having a wiring fault somewhere.

12-05-2003, 12:54 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	That and getting parts while on a road trip or right before a trip (or just to get to work the next day) can be an ordeal. Besides...what is 2 more whires gonna hut asteticly? If you tie them back and rout them good, they can be almost invisible.

12-05-2003, 02:17 AM	#9
tomsC10R Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 281	Try tapping the voltage regualtor, it worked for me once. It's worth a shot, maybe you need a new one. Tom



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