problem with charging system on 87 saab 9000 turbo

hey all, a few days ago, my battery warning light came on and the dash gauge showed voltage fluctuating between 12.2v and 10.5v. today it dropped down into the 7s before the gauge went out completely. the car still ran but i had to keep the engine revved when i slowed down. i managed to just about make it home then the car died completely and it wont turn over at all. i'm just not sure if this is a problem with the alternator or the battery. i'd like to be able to figure that out before i have to pay a shop $$$. obviously if its the battery, i can replace that myself. if i need a new alternator, is there a recommended place for saab owners to get cheap used/rebuilt parts? new ones seem to run $150+. thanks for the help!

cheers, rob

Reply to
Rob
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The only way it could be the battery is if one or more cells have failed short circuit. Since this is very unlikely, my money is on the alternator.

There's no easy way to test this hypothesis without a battery - a partially shorted battery /could/ be dropping the alternator voltage that low. But as I said, this is unlikely.

If you can borrow a battery, put it in place of your current one, and measure the voltage across it with the engine running. Should read

12-13V. Rev the engine to say 3000 revs. Voltage should go up to 13.5-14V. If you don't get voltage in this range, the alternator isn't functioning correctly. The most likely cause of this is worn brushes. Very easy to replace, and not very expensive.
Reply to
Grunff

Some what hard to install though,but the alternator stayed on the car.

Reply to
K Fraser Groves

where are you located at i just stripped down a 88 9k turbo and have a alternator i am in longview ,wa 98632 make me a offer i am certain it works but i can take it down and ahve it tested if you want

Reply to
clayton

this is EXACTLY what it was. i just happened to find out we had a saab specialist right down the road. had AAA tow the car down this morning, they changed the voltage regulator, thermostat and did an oil and filter change.... grand total of $128.14!!!! i was expecting to pay a WHOLE lot more than that... whew!!!

Reply to
Rob

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