Recently, after starting the car, I noticed the battery icon light was on. After accelerating, the light went out and remained out, only re-appearing when I re-started the car during various stopsduring my journey. Each subsequent time the light re-appeard the length of time it stayed lit increased up until my return home. At that point, the light remained lit, only dissappearing when the gas pedal was actually being pressed. Furthermore, the power windows were fatigeud in operation and the headlights had a solemn yellow glow that obviously indicated battery problems. After reerencing the trusty Haynes guide, I have checked the batt. voltage...its fine (11.94V disconnected), the cables are clean and were secured tightly during my problem journey. The manual indicates a possible "fusible link problem", altenator, or wires connecting the starting system components as possible culprits, Are there any other possibilties for this problem, and if not, is there a simplified way to test for the bad component? I can see the wire connector attached to the altenator, but how do you distinguish the "fusible link"? The entire wire is encased in that protective plastic lining? My cousin has told me to look for a third wire that should be connected to my pos. battery cable clamp. of the two that are, one runs to the adjacent fuse box, and the second larger to the starter and attached with a nut. Is there another wire I'm overlooking, or is my cousin wacked out?

 

It actually sounds like the brushes in the alternator are worn down & sometimes they don't make contact. You can get a brush pack (#3) but you may have to hunt around for one in stock.

 

A partial failure of the rectifier will reduce the output voltage, and cause the Alt light to come on at idle and go out at higher speeds. If you pull the alternator, suggest replacing both brushes and rectifier modules.

good luck