Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Ultimate Subaru Message Board

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Charge warning lights burn dim at idle and got out at 2k RPM

Featured Replies

My son's barn find 86 Brat. Has multiple issues we've been working through. Currently were working on the charging system. The alternator is charging at 14v at idle but the charge warning light burn dim. EGR, brake, charge, and stop lamp. These light go out at near 2k RPM. I'm pulling the alternator out now to check the brushes. Any ideas fellas?

MVIMG_20200518_201528.jpg

Every time I have seen this it was one of the alternator brushes. 

Check with a meter in AC voltage at the alternator. Should be under 1V, very close to zero. If it as a external regulator, check at the regular instead. Forget what year that went to integrated regulators.

Edited by Ionstorm66

Next would be bad ground somewhere. Simple test is to stick a jumper cable from battery negative to the alternator, and one from alternator to chassis.

The battery indicator shows if the voltage potential is higher at the battery OR the alternator. So a poor connection, bad alt, or bad battery could do it. Generally though if the light goes out at higher rpm it's the alt. May have just been light corrosion on the slip rings that will wear off as it runs. 

GD

  • Author

Meh, cleaned the contacts and reassembled. Still does the same thing. Not one of the more pressing issues with the vehicle as its charging 14v during operation. And the list of issues is long. I'll come back to it and report a repair when I find it. It's most likely just diode issues. But, not bad enough to fail the diode test on my tester. Moving on to rear brake hardware and fuel level sensor

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

Sign In Now

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.