I've read thru the threads and found things similar, but not exact. I have an 81 hatch. the voltmeter on the dash was reading 15 and moved when you turned things on and off. The battery light came on so I got a new alternator. This actually made the peoblem worse. The battery light is still on, the volts will be 12 on the way to the store and 15 on the way home. The meter sill moves when you turn things on, and the idle rpm is different each time I start and run it. Please point me in the right direction. I can't afford to replace everything that everyone suggest, so could a guru come on and say, "I've had that problem before and all you need to do is replace..."

It sounds like the regulator may be the trouble. I think it is seperate from the alternator. Make sure the wire connections are good between the the units also.

The regulator is separate. Can I have it checked? If you buy one and take it out the door they won't let return it. One other thing I meant to add was that after the alt swap, half of my warning lights are on. Things like fasten seatbelt, door ajar, ect. Thanks for the quick reply.

The warning lights are in the alternator circuit. You may be able to a place like Autozone test the regulator to see how it is. If the wiring looks ok I would guess the regulator is bad.

 

You're welcome for the help.