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On my 1999 STS with 98k miles, darn it, the following has started happening...
OK, so I'm driving along minding my own business, when the DIC displays "SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM", the Traction Control and Antilock lights come on, and the battery light flashes a few times. Then cruise control speeds up and slows down slightly. The battery light flasing becomes very infrequent. I turn off cruise and drive for a while, then come to a stop at a traffic light. I shut it off, open the door, close the door, and start it back up. All is normal for a while, then the battery light flashes a few more times. I switch the DIC to volts, and it shows 14.3, then I notice the battery light flash and the volts go to 15.6, then 14.4, then 16.0, then 15.3, then 14.4 in the span of 3 or 4 seconds. It stays on 14.4 for a couple minutes, then fluctuates again.
I have a feeling it's the solid-state voltage regulator / diodes in the alternator. Any one have any other ideas?
Anyone ever swap the alternator themselves?
Posted by: caddiac
I was told by a guy at the store where I get my parts that Cadillac had some problems with their alternators that caused fluctuations in the charging voltage. I have not changed one on a Caddy before but it is usually simple if it is accessible. Be careful with the belt adjustment. Over tightening can be rough on the water pump bearings.
