So I was driving in to town this evening (after dark) and about 10 minutes into the drive my radio started cutting in and out, then the instrument cluster lights dimmed and failed. I hadn't had any trouble starting, except for needing a jump the other day. I was worried when I had to jump it, but it has started up fine since then. Well, I got to where I was going, and happened to run into another 300D entusiast. I let the car run while I was in the store for fear of it not starting again. I talked to him, and we shut it off since I had cables, and voile! no start. Couldn't jump it either, actually didn't have the time to charge the battery. The car is a greymarket 84 300D wagon, normally aspirated. The alternator looks brand new (I just bought the car and the guy did make mention of replacing it). I wound up leaving the car and am going to go jump it with my Dad's cummin's tomorrow, but was wondering where I should start looking for problems? Is there any way to test the alternator (lick my fingers and grab it? Where should I start looking for wiring troubles, or what should I look for? Everything appears to be connected and "normal." Any advice? How much does a new alternator cost? I would put it in myself, seems easy. Thanks,
Will lyons

This is usually a sign of the alternator beginning to go out. I had similar symptoms on the SD.

Note, however, that the symptoms may show up one day and the vehicle will behave fine the next day. It would be my guess that the brushes are just about shot.

When the vehicle starts "acting up", take a voltmeter and place it across the battery terminals. With the engine at 2000 rpm, the voltage should be above 13.2 volts. If it is below this value, or anywhere near 12V, the alternator needs servicing or replacement.

Cool, thanks. One more question...I don't have a tach, only a huge clock, so is 2000 about normal cruising revs?

No, you don't need to go that high.

2000 would be normal cruise at about 45 mph.

2000 is not critical. The alternator may put out full voltage at 1500 rpm. I'm just not sure of the exact number. Just rev it up a bit and watch the voltmeter. At idle, it may be around 12V. As soon as you rev it, the voltage must go up to 13.2 or higher, or the alternator is NG.

Cool, thanks!

Just follow up and let us all know how you make out.