Does this sound like a dying alternator?

[Solfish]

So I've been driving around lately in my '93, and the low engine oil light has been turning on sporadically, for anywhere from a couple seconds to a minute, and turn off. I've searched the forum, and members have suggested that this may be the alternator on its last legs.

I've watched the voltage meter on the instrument cluster while driving, but I haven't seen it fluctuate. However, I began lowering all four windows in the rain yesterday and the brake warning light and check engine light began to flicker quickly until I let go of the window switches. I can duplicate this, but only every now and then.

Time to change the alternator? Should it even be crapping out on me yet? Lauren Conrad's only got 84k miles on her!

Any suggestions would be great, and thanks in advance!

 

[ralphy1997]

So I've been driving around lately in my '93, and the low engine oil light has been turning on sporadically, for anywhere from a couple seconds to a minute, and turn off. I've searched the forum, and members have suggested that this may be the alternator on its last legs.

I've watched the voltage meter on the instrument cluster while driving, but I haven't seen it fluctuate. However, I began lowering all four windows in the rain yesterday and the brake warning light and check engine light began to flicker quickly until I let go of the window switches. I can duplicate this, but only every now and then.

Any suggestions would be great, and thanks in advance!

The oil pressure light (I'm assuming that's what you mean) coming on is common, it is an indication that your oil may be slightly low.

The flickering of the lights is another story. That sounds like it could be a problem. You should be able to have your alternator tested at your local auto parts store for free.

 

[CruiserJack]

Does this sound like a dying alternator?QUOTE]

Yes.

 

[lndcruz]

If it looked like that that is low oil level.

When my alternator went out 3 lights came on, but I don't remember that light coming on until every light came on moments before the engine quit.

 

[CruiserJack]

If it looked like that that is low oil level.

When my alternator went out 3 lights came on, but I don't remember that light coming on until every light came on moments before the engine quit.

This is not his only light that is coming on. The behavior he described will no doubt be traced back to a bad alternator. Hide and watch.

 

[Ebag333]

My low oil light comes on the day after I get the oil changed. You can adjust the sensor itself to not be as sensitive.

The symptoms could either point to a failing alternator, a failing battery, or poor connections (battery cable or ground). I had similar symptoms when my battery was on its way out.

Sounds to me like two separate issues.

 

[jonheld]

The low oil lamp is not a symptom of alternator failure.
The trio of lights for the alternator IIRC are BRAKE; TRANS TEMP, CHARGE.

A momentary flicker could be as simple as a loose alternator belt or poor connection. Typically these lights will stay on when the alternator is dead/dying.

 

[CruiserJack]

The low oil lamp is not a symptom of alternator failure.
The trio of lights for the alternator IIRC are BRAKE; TRANS TEMP, CHARGE.

A momentary flicker could be as simple as a loose alternator belt or poor connection. Typically these lights will stay on when the alternator is dead/dying.

Jon: Is this a design from the factory or a coincidence?

 

[Ebag333]

Jon: Is this a design from the factory or a coincidence?

By design.

 

[lndcruz]

When my alternator went out 3 lights came on, but I don't remember that light coming on until every light came on moments before the engine quit.

This is not his only light that is coming on. The behavior he described will no doubt be traced back to a bad alternator. Hide and watch.

I know 3 lights come on, but didn't remember which ones.

The low oil lamp is not a symptom of alternator failure.
The trio of lights for the alternator IIRC are BRAKE; TRANS TEMP, CHARGE.

This is what happened when mine went kaput.