alternator problems??
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New User
Joined: Jan 2002
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alternator problems??
Both my freind and i have identical trucks. we are both having the same problem. the lights flicker when at idile untile the rpms increase. he doesn't have a gauge for voltage but has a light and that light blinks. but i do have a guage and the needle steady moves up and down. i tested my voltage going to the battery and it comes up with 18 volts. What should we do. do you all think it may be the alternator or something else. Are there adjustments on them...any help would be great.
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If the Trucks a rockin' don't come a knockin'
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If the Trucks a rockin' don't come a knockin'
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
alternator problems??
I would take all the connections loose one at a time, and check them for corrosion. This would be the regulator plug, the alternator connections, and the large connection on the starter relay where the battery and some other smaller wires hook to. If this doesn't help any, take the alt to the store and get it checked. Then I guess next would be the regulator.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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alternator problems??
If it was me.
I,would disconnect the battery cables and clean them (both ends of each cable.
Before re-connecting them,pull the connection off the voltage regulator and clean the terminals.
Once all the wires/cables are clean and hooked back up,start the engine and set your idle to spec.
Once the idle is set at the proper speed > Check to see if the idiot light still flickers.
If it does:
Now with a voltmeter check the current at the battery + post with the engine running @ idle and then, REVVED up.
If the current rises to about 15 volts the alternator is okay.
If it doesn't rise with revving & the idiot lights/gauge still flicker,get the alternator checked.
My guess is the engine isn't idling fast enough or the voltage regulator is going faulty.
Dennis
Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"
78 F-150 429CJ,Silver
w/Explorer Pkge.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon
I,would disconnect the battery cables and clean them (both ends of each cable.
Before re-connecting them,pull the connection off the voltage regulator and clean the terminals.
Once all the wires/cables are clean and hooked back up,start the engine and set your idle to spec.
Once the idle is set at the proper speed > Check to see if the idiot light still flickers.
If it does:
Now with a voltmeter check the current at the battery + post with the engine running @ idle and then, REVVED up.
If the current rises to about 15 volts the alternator is okay.
If it doesn't rise with revving & the idiot lights/gauge still flicker,get the alternator checked.
My guess is the engine isn't idling fast enough or the voltage regulator is going faulty.
Dennis
Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"
78 F-150 429CJ,Silver
w/Explorer Pkge.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
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From: Durham
alternator problems??
If your putting out 18 volts on the altenator, then you have a diode burned out (probably). You should only read 14.8-14.9 volts max. I'd pull the altenator and run it down to Advance Auto for a free test.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11
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alternator problems??
Does advanced auto parts really do a free test on it cause i have never heard of it before.
--------------------------------------------------
If the Trucks a rockin' don't come a knockin'
--------------------------------------------------
If the Trucks a rockin' don't come a knockin'
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Durham
alternator problems??
Yup, and so will most of the other auto parts stores. They put it on a machine, hook up some electrical connectors, a fan belt and spin the sucker up to around 3500 rpms and read the voltage and amperage...and it's all free...they will also test your battery and starter for free!!! That's how they make the sale.
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