Just after ya thoughts. My 1200 ute alternator light has just started to come on. I replaced the regulator that's mounted on the inner guard about a year ago. I have to rev it to get the light to turn off. But as revs drop back down after about 20 seconds I heard the regulator click and light comes back on. Do u think that the alternator is stuffed or could it possibly be the reg again? cheers

Could be a weak bearing in your alternator.....mine was weak and eventually seized while i was driving. Also could be your battery playing up. Have your battery tested first.

Nah the battery wouldn't be making the alt light come on. I'm more thinking problem could be the reg

Actually, a weak older battery could cause this problem. But the first thing you need to do is clean all of the electrical connections between your battery, alternator and voltage regulator. Also make sure that you do this with both the positive and negitive connections. Many, many times I have seen someone take the time to clean all of their positive connections, only to have the negitive hookups be the problem. After you have cleaned everything, make sure that the drive belt is tightened to the correct tension, if it is loose, it will cause the alternator pulley to slip at idle. Once you have done both of these things, if it does not solve your problem, then start to look for a bad component. In other words, take the time to eliminate the stupid stuff before you replace something that isn't bad.

Now it has to have quiet a few revs to turn the light off. U can hear the voltage reg click when the light comes on

> I have to rev it to get the light to turn off.

Another cause is when the brushes inside the alternator are worn to the limit. They unbolt from the back, take a look at them.

Ok will have a look

Worn brushes can cause flickering dash lamp, or intermittent charging.

Brush Check

Very easy to check -- these just unbolt from the rear of the alternator. Replace if worn down to the line. Also check the brush pig tail and replace if obviously worn to the point of near-breakage.

Brush comparo:


* left: worn down to the limit line (7 mm or less)
* right: New

Can you buy them still?

Yes. Try your local auto electrician.