charging problem please help
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Joined: Oct 2004
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charging problem please help
can someone tell me what that part is over on the passenger side of the engine next to the air conditioning unit? it says motorcraft and has some sort of cooling fins on it. it's silver colored. after i unplugged and replugged it my car started fine. what is it i think i should have it replaced.. please tell me thank you
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
If you're talking about the finned unit located on the wheel well, that's the ignition control module (ICM). It used to be mounted on the outside of the distributor, but continually failed due to overheating problems. Ford finally moved it to the passenger wheel well and provided a heat diffusing finned housing to help eliminate this problem.
If you have been experiencing starting problems, the ICM may be bad or the connector may just need to be cleaned. Since Ford moved the unit to the wheel well, it has not been so prone to failure. So I would first try cleaning the connector and check the wiring.
I do not think that a bad ICM would cause a charging system problem, though. So you may have another problem if your battery is not charging properly.
Ron
If you have been experiencing starting problems, the ICM may be bad or the connector may just need to be cleaned. Since Ford moved the unit to the wheel well, it has not been so prone to failure. So I would first try cleaning the connector and check the wiring.
I do not think that a bad ICM would cause a charging system problem, though. So you may have another problem if your battery is not charging properly.
Ron
Last edited by rlmdad; Apr 30, 2005 at 07:31 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 312
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From: Lanham,MD
I hope someone finds the answer because mine 95' AWD has started quite a few problems this month. Mine has 230000 miles and is starting to over charge sometimes. Steering rack leaks and fuel pump hums very loud when it starts overcharging up to 16 - 18 volts
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: San Diego
Da hauler
Battery charging and the ICM are two different problems.
Do you have a cranking problem?
Dead battery etc,
Overcharging problem...
Battery getting hot, boilover...
B-Aerostar...
I would check and clean all connections...
If that didnt work I would change that alternator w/ built in regulator fast before it blows up a more expensive component.
Battery charging and the ICM are two different problems.
Do you have a cranking problem?
Dead battery etc,
Overcharging problem...
Battery getting hot, boilover...
B-Aerostar...
I would check and clean all connections...
If that didnt work I would change that alternator w/ built in regulator fast before it blows up a more expensive component.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by B-Aerostar
I hope someone finds the answer because mine 95' AWD has started quite a few problems this month. Mine has 230000 miles and is starting to over charge sometimes. Steering rack leaks and fuel pump hums very loud when it starts overcharging up to 16 - 18 volts
CAUTION: Do wear eye goggles near the battery. This is not one of those empty warnings. Mine exploded and sprayed battery acid everywhere in the engine compartment. Lucky it happened before I popped the hood, or my eyes would have been gone.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by xlt4wd90
If you're getting such high voltages, you should be checking the voltage regulator. (Is that part of the alternator now?)
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 312
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From: Lanham,MD
thanks guys for the advice, will be checking and changing a few parts tomorrow morning on my van.
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FTE Community Team
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Oak Harbor, Washington
Originally Posted by copper_90680
Yes, the voltage regulator is part of the alternator. But, lucky for us, the regulator is mounted on the outside of the alternator and easily replaceable. Just two little screws (or is it four, I don't remember).
You have to remove the four outside T20 Torx screws to remove the regulator from the back of the alternator. Don't remove the two screws on the center; they retain the brushes holder to the regulator, and if you remove them, the nuts will fall into the alternator (ask me how I know).
In order to reach the lowest screw, I had to remove the belt and the adjustment bolt to allow the alternator to swing way up.
This is an aftermarket regulator; the OEM one is grey and says, "Motorcraft" on it.
Regards,
Al S.
