my '98 z28 a4 with 82,000 miles is having electrical troubles. the guage needle and lights flutter, at a high voltage (~15v) when cold, and at a low voltage (~12.5) when it warms up. on my past vehicles, this was usually the voltage regulator inside the alternator. has anyone else heard of this problem on these cars so early? the local parts stores do not carry this alternator, and they tell me it is strange for a newer car with this mileage to do that, which i agree with.

 

Most likily the alternator is faulty. After 82,000 miles on it, I would just replace it. You can always have it checked at autozone for free too.

 

If your alternator took you 84,000 miles, you should be happy. GM alternators arent known for being top notch. A lot of us get one every 30-40,000 miles. I guess you havent heard the jokes about getting a GM alternator free with 8 gallons of gas, every other oil change, buy one get one, or picking one up in the frozen section at Acme.

Anyway at 84,000 just replace it, there not that expensive, and there easy to drop in there.