Woody

Check the voltage on the battery. +lead to positive battery terminal. Turn
headlights on and run engine at 1500-2000 rpm. Voltage should be 14 to 14.5
volts. At idle and nothing on it should hold above 14 volts if the battery
is good. Also as was mentioned make sure the belt is tight enough. If you do
not understand the above or how the charging system works take it to a parts
store or service shop and have it tested.......


"Joseph" <spmok2@canada.com> wrote in message
news:1103997265.006044.72600@c13g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
>
> MisterSkippy wrote:
>> On 24 Dec 2004 23:04:46 -0800, "Joseph" <spmok2@canada.com> wrote:
>>
>> >I got the Seat Belt dummy light as well as the Charge (the one with
> the
>> >picture of the battery) came on intermittently, but not sure how to
>> >diagnose the real problem.
>> >
>> >The Seat Belt light just comes and go.
>> >
>> >The Charge light comes one intermittently also and (seems to come
> only
>> >when in idle). I would come to a stop light, slam on the brake and
>> >that light would soon comes on. Green light, I go and the light
> goes
>> >off.
>> >I replace the alternator with a remanufactured one in April 2003.
> So
>> >its got just over a year and a half on it. Battery was replaced
> about
>> >the same time with a remanufactured one.
>> >
>> >Car is old, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera (2.8L engine) with 197000
> km.
>> >
>> >Should I suspect the alternator and get another one or is it the
>> >battery ? What might cause the seat belt light? I tested the belt
> on
>> >a downward slop by braking hard, and it locks as it should.
>>
>> It could very well be the alternator. A lot of the remans aren't very
>> good. How is the belt tension? Have you tested the alternator output
>> at idle with a meter?
>> FWIW
>> YMMV
>> DFB
>>
>
> Actually I havent check the output. Will do it though. By the way,
> where in the car engine can I stick the positive meter probe to? I
> assume the frame is the negative that the alternator is connected to.
> Where is it safe to assume a positive voltage? Unfortuantely I can't
> connnect directly to the alternator terminal as it is hidden by the
> engine bracket when its mounted.
>