[bmw] WARNING: alternator light

[bmrfamly <bmrfamly@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Gentlemen
   We all know that there is a problem when the alternator light comes 
on as we are driving. The battery will be discharging from that 
moment.
   Few owner's know that there's a worse problem if there's no 
alternator light upon start-up.
   The alternator is activated by the current flow thru the tell-tale 
bulb.  If you do not see an alternator light when you turn the key to 
the "RUN" position, or during starter cranking, the alternator will 
not come online and your battery will be discharging from the moment 
you start.
   ABS cars should get an ABS warning light.
   Some "BMW" alternators will self-excite if spun fast enough, but 
mom's 318iA wasn't driven fastly enough to accomplish that so it's 
lucky she got home.
   A simple burned-out tell-tale bulb can cause a really big problem 
and troublesome repair.

  Dan Patzer the CyberWrench from BIMMERS ONLY Seattle's exclusive BMW 
hobby shop  
Providing O.E.M. parts, Independent service & Instruction since 1964
  12724  Marine Drive,  Marysville, Wa. 98271  425-259-3601
72' tii touring   K1200LT   85' 732i   R850R 
http://www.nwlink.com/~bmrfamly/ 
BMWCCA TECH SERVICE ADVISOR from upper left corner of map
MEMBER IBMWSP
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