GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

ABNORMAL CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATION INFORMATION

1983-1984 PONTIAC VEHICLES

"Please discard previous bulletin 84-8-11 due to text revision."

Condition

Abnormal charging system operation can result in:

A. An overcharge of the battery and possible electrolyte leakage, or

B. An undercharge resulting in a low battery state of charge.

Cause

These conditions may be caused by a faulty voltage regulator.

Correction

Voltage regulators produced after approximately April 1, 1984 are identified with a letter "L" adjacent to the regulator terminals. These should be used in all 1983/84 generator repairs.

NOTE: Some late style regulators may not have a code "L" after the part number, but are suitable replacement for all applications. These regulators can be identified by either of the following methods:

A. Date code after 4BO1, or B. Part number ending with 988.

4B01

Year Month Day (1984) (B=Feb, C=Mar, etc.) (1-31)

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.