My car is a 1998 Mystique V6 MTX with 55000 miles. I bought the car 6 mo ago (3300 miles ago). Since I have owned it, the charging system light has flickered above 4000 RPMs. Today, for the first time I am getting the flickering light at engine idle up to about 1500 RPMs (but this didn't happen every single time I was below 1500 RPMs). I have read the archives about how difficult it is to change the alternator but I was wondering if the voltage regulator and brushes can be changed out without removing the alternator from the car. The regulator appears to be on the outside of the alternator case (from the exploded views I have seen). The brushes appear to only be reachable by complete disassembly of the alternator after the alternator is removed from the car. Is this correct? Is it worth a try to change these parts before removing and replacing the alternator? Do my symptoms suggest these parts are bad or do I need to replace the alternator?
If I need to replace the alternator, I have read in the archives that the alternator can be removed from the passenger wheelwell after removing the tierod from the steering arm. Removal of the passenger side axle shaft isn't necessary. Is this correct?
I plan on doing the voltage test in the Chilton manual tomorrow to try to confirm the alternator/regulator is the problem. I have no garage and the daylight hours are short after I get off work so I hope I can keep driving until this weekend!
