Possible alternator problem?

[boltoa]

Any clues on this one much appreciated...

Recently, I noticed all my lights (headlights, interior, dash, etc) have started pulsing bright/dim, and my battery warning light is on, but dimly.

From my fairly basic electrical knowledge, I suspect maybe 1 or 2 of the alternator coils have failed, so only one or two is actually charging, causing a pulsing of the voltage that the rectifier circuits (ac to dc) can\'t cope with. This would cause the symptoms, but I\'m not 100% certain, and don\'t want to replace the alternator unless I really have to. Any other theories welcome.

In the event I\'m right, anybody know a good place to get an alternator, and what it might cost? I\'ve had parts from Jimmy\'s in the past, and am happy with their service, but from comments made here after I paid £100 for a water pump, I suspect they\'re not the best value.

I also think I could do with replacing my battery anyway, so I\'ll probably do that as well. Can I just get a replacement from Halfrauds, or is it a special one (import model, so often batteries are different to UK, but don\'t know if this is the case). I\'ll also probably attempt to do the work myself, unless anyone says it is a particularly difficult job.

My car is a 94 Type R Japanese model.

Thanks, Andrew

[leggysrx7]

...I had the same symptons a couple of months ago...and it was a faulty alternator!!Not sure of the cost though, had other faults repaired at the same time.....all sorted now though!!

Marc

[boltoa]

Thanks. Good to know I\'m in the right direction. Now I just need to know how much it would cost to fix. I believe it\'s possible to buy a core replacement for the alternator (ie the guts, but not the housing) at a reduced price. Is this correct, does anybody know?

Ta, Andrew

[fly]

You can get a decent calcium battery from halfords for 60 quid, i had quite a few electrical problems so i changed the alternator/battery/spark leads and it sorted it out.

[andyrose]

i noticed my charging light was flashing on and off for a while.
took it to my local \'alternators r us\' and was fixed for £30
(some of the soldered connections inside the alternator had started to break down)
AndyR

[spanerhed7]

I\'d stick a volt meter accross the battery while its running and check its at a steady 14.4v. RX motors are usually a good place for bits at good prices, but I would be amazed if the alternator is unique in Mazdas line up to just the Rx7. Check it out in your local Halfords parts guide, then go buy one from somewhere cheaper....

[boltoa]

Jimmy\'s have sold me a second-hand (guaranteed) one for £75+VAT, so I\'m going with that. Hopefully get it fitted at the weekend, and cross fingers that it actually fixes the problem. I\'m fairly certain it will though.

Thanks for all assistance. I\'ll post back on the results, for anyone interested.

Andrew

[boltoa]

In case anybody is interested - fitted this at the weekend - took about an hour, wasn\'t too difficult. Fixed the problem, so very happy.

Ta all for the comments.

Andrew