Cars been running really great but got up at 4:30 AM to go to work and it was really cold last night. Started the car and the not charging light stayed on for about a minute or two before shutting off, drove to work(about twenty minutes) all is well. Started the car after work and the not charging light stayed on nearly all the way home before going off. In my drive it came on again and went off when I revved the engine.Battery is good,connections are good so does this mean that my alternator is about to go. Most other times with different cars when the alternator goes it is all at once. Need help before order a new one. Thanks
Bill
1998 VDP

 

put a meter on it to measure output charge

 

Stop by any of the auto parts places that test charging systems/batteries for free and they will tell you exactly what the problem is.

 

Had a charge indicator in my tool box and the battery reads no charge so guess I need a alternator.

 

Sounds like you're down a diode or two, voltage rec. or maybe have a broken wire in the winding. As was already stated have a chain autoparts store put it on their tester or you and a friend can check at least volts with a meter at home at idle and at 3k or so. Also, if your battery is low you may want to charge it up before testing the alt.

 

Thanks to all, just ordered a alternator $106.00 with free shipping factory re manufactured 2 year warranty. Just thought after 124K miles it was due.
Thanks again
Bill