1992 240 Wagon alternator issue?

hillhohn2 · Post by **hillhohn2** » 27 Apr 2012, 07:40

I have a 1992 240 wagon with 265K+ miles on it. Last week the warning lights stopped coming on when I start it. Also the gas gauge and speedometer (thank goodness for speedview apps on your android) no longer function. Yesterday after a 40 minute drive at highway speeds the car sat for approximatley 30 minutes and when I went back out to start it again it would not turn over. After I jumped it and recharged the battery I ran the alternator test that is a part of the battery charger that I own. The alternator failed both without and with load. The alternator is a rebuilt one and was put on the cat just under 3 years ago. Are the symptoms of no warning lights/speedometer/gas gauge indicative of a failed alternator, or do I have bigger problems? If so what????

Post by **jimmy57** » 27 Apr 2012, 09:31

Check fuse for the instrument cluster. If the warning lights do not work the alternator will not charge unless you rev engine something past 3000 RPM. Gauges being off also points to power supply problem. In case the gauge issue is unrelated, check the small size wire to back of alternator to be sure it is plugged in.

hillhohn2 · Post by **hillhohn2** » 27 Apr 2012, 15:22

Thanks for the suggestions. Forgot to mention that I checked the fuses right away and all good. I did drive it to work today with a portable jumper pack in the back and when I went out for lunch everything was back to functioning normally. Looks like I get to spend my Saturday chasing down a loose connection or short.

Post by **jimmy57** » 27 Apr 2012, 17:12

Those metal wire ceramic fuses and the fusebox connections to fuses are not accurately checked by visual inspection.
You might find turning on key and rolling fuses in holders might reveal something you couldn't see.