Quote:
Originally Posted by donmi
...I think, the alternator is on the way out, BUT is it possible that this happens intermittent???...
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To directly answer this, yes. If the alternator is failing simply due to the brushes wearing out, it may reach a point where the shorter of the two brushes is just barely making contact with the slip ring. During that period, the alternator will work / not work based on apparently random conditions driven by temperature, vibration, etc.
But as mentioned above, it is odd that no charging light came on. That light is usually driven by the very simple condition that the battery voltage is higher than the alternator output voltage - so if the alternator is not generating that voltage / current, the light will come on. In the olden days, it was a simple wire and light bulb in the dash; more complex now, typically controlled by the ECU. So more careful testing will help you avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
It will help to know:
- how many miles on your car / alternator (if not original)
- how old is your battery?
- do you have the high tech cluster (that displays written messages vs. warning lights)? If yes, any messages, such as "trans failsafe prog."?
- does your charging light come on when the car is turned on but not started?