What is the alternator exciter circuit ?

Motion

im about to change an intermitent alternator soon in my wagon.. and had read about an alternator exciter circuit, and fuse, and was wondering what it is, where the fuse is, and if it could have something to do with why my alternator seems to have an intermitant voltage regulator? If it wouldent have anything to do with it i will just go ahead and change the alternator.. but it would suck to get an alternator and find out it was a fuse somewhere causing the problem.

Jaker

The exciter circuit is what "excites" the alternator into producing voltage. Without it, the alternator would not produce any voltage and would not charge the battery/run the car. The fuse is in the panel under the steering wheel. #14 fuse, supposed to be 10 amp.

Does you charging light flicker as the rpms go up? If so, 99% sure that your brushes are worn out. They're dead easy to replace (you do have to take out the alternator), and they cost about $5 for a set.

Motion

actually, my charge light never flickers.. My head lights dim, clock dims when i turn on the headlights, and my whippers slow when the engine slows on occasion.. I tested the alternator and most of the time it was putting out 12.5.. and on occasion it would go up to 14 where it should be. I was figuring voltage regulator is pry going bad or something ? I cleaned the ground from the negative battery cable, and the one that goes to the valve cover ? is there anything you can think of i might of missed ? I also have an intermittent hard starting condition that i thought was the main relay, but im not sure about that yet either.