On my 92 F150/4.9 the idot light flickers on once in awhile out of nowhere. This happens once a week or so and lasts about 30 seconds. I replaced the battery since it was old and had the charging system tested twice and found nothing wrong. I will be going on a hunting trip in a couple weeks and don't care to get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Should I replace the alternator for insurance or could the problem be elsewhere? Thanks for the help.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Nov-02 AT 12:04 PM (EST)]What is your volt gauge showing when the light flickers? How about just in general? There are 2 resistors in the light's circuit on the back of the cluster - one on the film circuit and one in the bulb holder. They may be going bad, or you may have a loose connection in the green/red (I think) wire coming off the alt harness near the battery. It's got its own connector and it goes straight to the dash light.

I'll try to put some pics in this album soon showing the backs of tach & non-tach clusters http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=2&a=66912 , but pic #25 in this one shows my older modified cluster: http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=2&a=13217

 

Don't go by Ford's Gauges as truth.
Take a reading with a V.O.Meter to know for sure.

Also, What are your RPM's at idle?
Make sure your idle is set right.

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Thanks for your response guys, The Volt meter is usually dead center in the normal range and sometimes drifts a little higher. It stays there when the warning light flashes. I have turned off the lights and wipers while this is happening and does not seem to effect it. The cigarette lighter receptical recently died right before this started happening (fuse OK) and the last couple times it has been damp and drizzling outside. The light has come on at idle and going down the road at highway speed as well. The headlights do not dim,Maybe it's just me but the turn signal flashers seem a little slower than before.Any more thoughts on the mystery light?

 

Voltage Regulator !


Clean off all the electrical connetions and the mounting screws.

Then try it again.

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FTE Assistant Administrator
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