I was driving this morning in the rain, with my headlights and defrost on, when my amp gauge shot straight up to 18 from just under 14. I got a service engine soon light, and a warning ding. The dash lights also got really bright. Ten seconds later, it drops back to 14, lights go back to normal, and the service engine soon light goes off.

This happened a few more times, and the temp gauge also went up to 240 when the amps went up to 18, then would drop back immediately to just under 200 when the amps went down.

I have a new alt (2 months old) and a new battery. New belt, too. Any ideas? There was a little fog behind the dash when this happened, but the fog was gone on the way home, and I had no problems at all.

It'* nasty here right now. I'm assuming alot of road spray? Was your alternator wet when you stopped?

Keep an eye on it, particularly in wet weather if it happens again. Pop the hood and see if that sucker is wet. Yours is more exposed to the elements than mine is. Mine is higher up and to the rear (behind the SC).

If it does it when it'* NOT wet (you have a few days before you can test this), I'd take that alternator back under warranty.

Actually, it happened before when it wasn't raining at all at an idle a month ago, and again a week ago on the highway in a light drizzle. I thought it was a slipping belt, but with the new tensioner and belt, it must be the alternator. This was the worst it'* been though, and there was a lot of spray and water, but no more than normal for Oregon. The alt is in the front of the motor at the top on mine, and not really prone to that much spray.

I'm going to pull the alt tonight and take it back to Napa for a different one. I'll let you know if that fixes it. Thanks for all your help

Michelle, I really see that sucker as your culprit. Good move. NAPA will treat you right, if they don't, let us know. I'm not above making a phone call or two.

Thanks Will. I hope it fixes everything. A car-becue is not what I'm looking for. And I don't think Napa will give me any problems. They'd better not, or my Bonneville big brother will come up here from Albany and break a few thumbs

If my green beast makes it to summertime, I'll be at the West coast meet, passing out homemade chocolate chip cookies and meeting all of you wise men who have kept her going.

And women.

You'll meet Katie, Lilpooky, Laura (Mrs. 2000silverbulet), PontiacMom, PontiacJess, and perhaps some others.






Do you make beer flavored cookies?
Seriously, if you have problems, let us know. We've learned the hard way how to deal with them, and we do have some clout.

if the volts keep jumping above 14.4ish wouldn't that be a voltage regulator not doing its job properly?

could this be a coincidence or an indicator of a related prblem?