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<TD class=msgtxt>Guys, I’ve just purchased a 1994 3.1TD Trooper and this is the first 4x4 I’ve owned. When the engine is running with no lights on the voltmeter reads around 12V but when I put dipped or full beam on the needle drops to 8V – is this normal or should it stay at 12V? The reason I ask is that when I got it home last night I had the lights on and when I went to start it up again the battery was to flat to turn it over sufficiently. I jump started it and ran it for a bit with the lights off then stopped it and it started again ok with no assistance. The charger light (small red battery) isn’t coming on. Any ideas?? Also, what is the second battery for?? I cant find anything in the owners manual about it. Any help would be appreciated, Paul</TD></TR></T></TABLE>

it sounds like the alternator is going bad...when you turn on electric accessories, the alternator should begin to feed power into the battery to keep it charged correctly...

Yes, the alternator is going south. With the engine running, your meter should read 13.5 to 14.5 volts. When you turn on accessories, the reading will drop a bit, but the voltage regulator should compensate for the load. Most alternators have internal voltage regulators that can't be replaced separately.

and even with the alt's that can be worked internally..for those who havent done it before..its a NIGHTMARE...getting everything lined back up correctly and such...