> The question is, on modern cars do alternators partially
> work? I would think they work or don't and nothing in between.
>
Yes, modern cars can suffer the same ailment. A bad diode will reduce the
maximum current by about 2/3. The alternators still work the same, whether
the regulator is outside the case or inside.
However, I have to say I don't have a lot of faith in what AAA says. I've
had them try to sell me a battery several times when there was nothing wrong
with the one I had (except being discharged). Of course, batteries are
ALWAYS "on the way out"; they start degrading from the time acid is put in
and degrade a bit more with every cycle.
Costco has a much better deal on batteries (if they carry the one you need).
I don't know what the limit is; but they replaced a 4 year old battery for
me, for $5 (the core charge went up). Not the battery warranty, but their
"customer satisfaction" guarantee. (Return the battery to customer service,
not the battery/tire department.)
-- Randall
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