We really didn't feel like chasing through the harness just yet, and because a new alternator would set us back a few bucks, we decided to switch to a GM-style one-wire alternator, which is ...

GM accomplishes this by wiring the No. 2 (field) wire into either an indicator lamp (see Diagram A) or, on some gauge-equipped cars, into the ammeter.

One-wire alternators sense the voltage right at the point where it is being generated—at the alternator. The farther the voltage runs through wiring, the more voltage drop you can have.

One-wire alternators sense the voltage right at the point where it is being generated—at the alternator. The farther the voltage runs through wiring, the more voltage drop you can have.