Re: [DML] A new alternator problem! (And a radar detector install to boot)

["jtrealtywebspannet" <jtrealty@xxxx>]

Maybe if this alternater problem was properly diagnosed before 
throwing parts at the problem someone might have noticed the bulb was 
missing before going through the expense and trouble of removing and 
replacing the alternater only to find out it wasn't the source of the 
trouble! Mechanics do this all the time to the expense of the owners 
who trust the mechanic to "fix it right the first time". Since you 
can't take the alternater back to the store he leaves it in and tells 
the customer it was the alternater when in fact it was a 90 cent bulb 
and a $2 bulb holder. By avoiding the diagnoses step you don't skip it 
if you guessed wrong. I always prefer to know the source of a problem 
to the extent I can before I condemm things to the trash bin. You have 
no idea how many good parts get thrown away by "mechanics" with the 
customers paying all the way. All this might have taken was to take a 
look at the alternater light with the key on and motor not running! If 
it doesn't light up something is wrong in the circuit and may be the 
thing preventing the alternater from charging. A quick glance at the 
indicater bulbs on start-up verifys that the circuit is functioning 
and the bulbs aren't burnt out. This is good advice for most cars!
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757 

-- In dmcnews@xxxx, "dmcman82" <srubano@xxxx> wrote:
> This problem has come up a lot in the past. Maybe the vendors who 
> sell aftermarket alternators designed for the D supply a bulb with 
> it? The bulbs are 20 years old and one can only guess when they are 
> going to blow. Could you imagine getting stuck on the side of a road 
> because of a bulb?!
> 
> Steve