Hi JAY,

On 02-Oct-03, JAY EMRIE wrote to ROY J. TELLASON:

 GW>> (On most systems I'm used to the alternator reaches full output
 GW>> at about 25% max revs). The traditional solution is to up the
 GW>> engine idle speed - but that only works for stick shift systems.
 GW>> For automatics all you can do is cut down the power use (lower
 GW>> heater fan speed, no extra lights) or put the battery on charge
 GW>> overnight...

 JE> RJT>Not too likely for the senior citizens that are having this
 JE> problem.

 JE> Present day alternators (last 15 yrs at least) will support most
 JE> everything normally used (A/C, headlights, radio, etc.) in a car
 JE> AT engine idle speeds.

Not in my experience... As I said above, most alternators only reach
full output at about 25% max revs (for most people it's about 1500
rpm), however they will match the usual nighttime load at about 1000
rpm. On my car (less than 10 years old) the alternator goes off
regulation with the headlights on at somewhere around the 1000 rpm
mark, idle is at 700 rpm... You can see the headlights dim as the
alternator goes off regulation.

George

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