Alternator gone bad?

[Tropical Emerald 1993]

symptoms:

-idle problems
-squeal sound (very short and random)
-sometimes dash and stereo are glowing over bright (or it could be that most of the time is under bright)

[neutral]

It is possible you have a bad alternator but check drive belt tension and condition before replacing the alt. Sounds likely an alternator drive belt that needs tension adjustment or replacement(if glazed). A straightforward DIY repair. If too loose, the belt slips and squeals - esp when engine is cold and outside conditions are cold or damp. Belt slipping produces that intermittent squeal, can definitely affect your idling - esp when a lot of accessories and headlights/tail lights/brake lights are in use. Continued slippage can also glaze the pulley-facing surface of the belt making it prone to keep slipping. A glazed belt should be replaced - also a straightforward DIY repair.

If belt adjustment/replacement doesn't solve things, have the alternator tested for output and replace if needed or, if the alternator is pretty old, might want to replace it anyway.

To Check Belt Tension: With engine cold (turned off minimum of 1/2 hr.) check the belt tension on center of the longest belt span, using moderate pressure with your thumb. Deflection should be ~1/3-1/2 inch. If deflection is > than that, you need to snug it up. There is an adjustment bolt for this purpose and it is a very quick fix to do. Page B1-6 and B1-7 of the online manual link from the main mx-3.com page shows a nice diagram pic. http://www.mx-3.com/95manual

You've probably already fig'd why the lights sometimes seem too bright - cuz they're just being viewed when dim and underpowered most of the time.

[Tropical Emerald 1993]

Thanks neutral I'll look into it.

[Tropical Emerald 1993]

Well, today I took it to the electric guy and he said everything is ok so I'll leave it just as it is