Wierd Charging System Problem !!!
 

I have a '00 Fed Emissions 1.6L

I've recently had a problem with bucking and hesitation on the highway, which is still yet to be determined......No CEL's and there appear to be no vacuum leaks, new MAF on the car

Then today I had this.....

While cruising at about 3000 RPMS ,it started to hesitate, then the blower fan for the A/C suddenly got louder, then the Battery Light came on......It didnt stop until I brought the car to a stop...

Battery Checked out fine, belts appear to be ok, alternator was tested ON the car, appears to be charging fine, however wasnt bench tested

I'd say voltage regulator, but I'm sure it's inside the alternator, so alternator?

you know how to test the voltage regulator ???....the alternator is an expensive piece of hardware to just be throwing parts at the car.

after further research....the FSM shows many reasons for a charging system light, but they all point to the same problem....

bad or dirty IAT(part of the MAF)

or

bad alternator

or

slipping or missing belt

.....I may replace the belt anyway, as it NEVER hass been replaced the life of the car, and I'd probably get a new one if I need a new alternator anyway

Yeah, I couldn't find anything about the voltage regulator, so I'm sure the alternator is internally regulated.

New alternator fixed the problem......it was overcharging

how much that set you back?

$50....got one from a Kia Sephia in the junkyards...interchangeable parts :lach: ....low mileage, bench tested perfect

schuweeet! how did you come across that, do you have an interchange manual?

lol yeah, its

www.car-part.com

when do a part lookup it checks for interchangeable parts

thx