alternator problems??

[fazidk]

hi ppl...im not sure whether in d past dis subject has been discussed but anyway hope, whether it has or hasnt, its ok n will get good response regarding dis matter...

the alternator...d unit dat is located in our beloved car part of d engine...works 2 provide current throughout d mechanical parts of d car without wasting battery current...(hope i summarised it correctly...)

im sure apart from me there r others who neglect dis matter n concentrate more on other "big" matters such s engine upgrading, interior beautification, exterior/body modifications etc etc...but at times we face dis problem of d alternator going "kong" on us..n worse of all at wierd times like at nites...which happened 2 me on numerous occassions...being recent yesterday nite...car driven d whole day without any problems or signs its goin 2 "kong" on me...til....about 8pm when i was about 2 go out...in fact i was half way 2 my destination which lucky 4 me was just nearby... then d car was behaving rather terribly...uneven idling...lights getting dimmer etc etc...thought wiring decided dat its a good time 2 give me a huge headache...(a 12 yr old engine wiring tends 2 do dat 2 u...)

anyway, d reason i put dis thread is 2 maybe:
1. get more information about dis item
2. solutions,
3. probable reasons on WHY dis item gives way,
4. advices or maybe even pointers on how 2 take care of d ALTERNATOR...how u know dat its goin 2 "kong" on u...
etc etc...

so i really really appreciate if all d members, new/junior n senior, offer ur expert opinions, advices or watever it is 4 all of us 2 share n maybe know more about dis particular item we tend 2 neglect...

thnking in advance 2 all of u....hope 2 c dis particular thread fill wiz great infos, advices, etc etc...