Chevrolet: Generator Light just came on., altanator, generator light

Question
Roger, I know that you are into chevy's but I have a 79 cad eldorado, wondering if you could help. My Generator light was intermitant..it came on and went out periodically. Yesterday it came on and stays on. What may be the problem? Should I buy a new battery?...or my buget is low ..how can I troubleshoot this problem without taking it to a mechanic? Thank You.....Roger Mallie

Answer

 Hi roger;
         Well if the light came on and stays on than there is something wrong , its a 79 so it dosn't have all the computor stuff so it could be any thing fron the fan belt , batt, or the relay or gen- altanator in your car, if you can check to see what the car is putting out to the battery in voltage  with a volte meter or charging gauge and it will tell you if the altanator is bad. it should be putting out at least 13 or more volts when running .if not than you need a new altanator . ok.