An apparatus for determining wear in the frictional components of an
alternator. Such an apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to count
voltage peaks generated by the automotive alternator; circuitry
configured to compare the counted voltage peaks against a predetermined
standard; and circuitry configured to generate a warning indication when
the counted voltage peaks exceeds the predetermined standard. Such an
apparatus may comprise comprises circuitry configured to measure a
voltage drop across the alternator brushes; circuitry configured to
compare the voltage drop against a predetermined voltage drop criterion;
and circuitry configured to generate a warning indication if the voltage
drop exceeds the predetermined voltage drop criterion.