Miata Mailing List: April 1999, Message #4

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I'm thinking of adding some driving lights to my 93. Given that I am using 100
watt bulbs in the headlights, adding two more 100 watt bulbs will put me quite
a way above the normal electrical load. What I'm wondering is whether the
alternator warning light will tell me if the alternator isn't keeping up with
the load. From the wiring diagram it looks like there are lots of stuff that
the alternator warning system keeps track of (open and short circuits on
several points, etc.), but it's not clear that a basic "not enough juice
coming out" warning is part of it. Do I need to put in an ammeter?

Also, if I find that the alternator can't keep, up, is there a source for
alternators that fit and put out more current?

Doug.