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engine and generator lights


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Posted

The engine and generator trouble lights on my 1979 Buick LeSabre 5.7L have been coming on with increasing frequency recently. At first I thought it was due to a low idle, becuase when the rpm's increased the lights would go off. But now when they come on, sometimes together and sometimes not, they stay on for a lengthy period. I have replaced the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and battery over a period of a year. This car was bought new by my parents, and driven from Colorado to Seal Beach, CA a couple of years ago, and has been pretty much trouble free. The odometer turned 100,000 miles on the return, with the current engine having about 500,000 on it, from what my brother tells me.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, while I am trying to locate a factory manual to assist me.

Ledru Baker

ledru@adelphia.net

Posted

Hi Ledru,

With the milage in mind, I would check the alternator brushes, they are likely worn to the point where they are not making good contact, or it is possible that the voltage regulator is bad it is inside the alternator. Rebuild kits are available. The amperage rating is stamped on the alternator housing.

A quick check! connect a volt meter to battery note the reading with car off, should be around 12v start the car and check the reading should now be 13.5v-14v this should be the same with all lights on, heater motor etc. lower than 13v would indicate faulty alt.

Also check your ground wires under the hood, i.e. battery to block, block ro fire wall, and clean them as they can somtimes oxidize.

Posted

I think you should post this question on the BCA side of this forum. It'll be seen there by a much larger number of people who have specific experience with your car's wiring and warning system.

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