"GEN" light came on right before a long trip the other day. Kind of got me worried so I shut it down and restarted and the light was gone. Is this thing going to dump its load here soon or was it a fluke? Do they go out gradually or all at once?

 

Best thing to do is get it checked. When mine went, I first noticed flickering headlights, then the voltmeter would drop down at idle. You might just have a bad connection or battery. Have it tested to be sure.

 

first time my gen light came on, it was about 6 months later when i needed new brushes in the alternator. most likely it will go at any time.

 

What kind of price are we talking about for a rebuild vs a new unit?

 

Autozone.com shows the rebuilt for $135 plus core. New is $200.

 

Bought mine at a rebuild shop for $150. Probably as good as a new one but better than the discount auto parts house. Years ago my budy worked for a company that did starters and alt for one on the big discount houses. He said that they fixed only what was wrong. If the brushes were still decent they wouldnt even replace them. Either buy it new or get a fully rebuilt one directly from the rebuilder.

 

I got mine rebuilt for 85 dollars locally

do that once a year. But the time i had my gen light come on, it was my PCM that hit the deck... Hope the alternator fixes it...

Tx