Voltmeter Guage Jumping / Amp Light too.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 425
Likes: 8
From: Park Ridge, Illinois
Voltmeter Guage Jumping / Amp Light too.
I have a 95 Aerostar 4.0L with almost 200K miles. This weekend, the wife came home from a trip complaining that the car was getting harder to start. When i looked at the voltmeter on the dash, if was pretty far to the left, though still in the "Normal" range. (Love those gauges). Couldn't start it when i was going to move it to the garage.
Anyway, took the Alternator out (Didn't have to go thru the wheelwell either!) and brought it to a shop. It was shot. Replaced it with a rebuild. Now it looks like the battery is getting charged only part of the time. Voltmeter on the dash is jumping around between center and approx 45 degrees to left and the Amp light is flickering too. Based on the assumption that something had gotten loose / is failing in the wiring, where would be a good place to look. Didn't see much going thru the archives. (I wonder if this intermittany killed the other alternator even though mileage / age wise it was more than due.)
Any ideas would be appreciated!!! TNX!
Anyway, took the Alternator out (Didn't have to go thru the wheelwell either!) and brought it to a shop. It was shot. Replaced it with a rebuild. Now it looks like the battery is getting charged only part of the time. Voltmeter on the dash is jumping around between center and approx 45 degrees to left and the Amp light is flickering too. Based on the assumption that something had gotten loose / is failing in the wiring, where would be a good place to look. Didn't see much going thru the archives. (I wonder if this intermittany killed the other alternator even though mileage / age wise it was more than due.)
Any ideas would be appreciated!!! TNX!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
REPLACE YOUR BATTERY!!!!!
If you don't, you will go through the evil cylce of replacing batteries and alternators. When the alternator starts going out (specifically the regulator) it will take your battery out too, just not as fast. Then when you replace the alternator the old beat up batter will start toasting your new alternator.
Been there done that, don't want to do it again.
If you don't, you will go through the evil cylce of replacing batteries and alternators. When the alternator starts going out (specifically the regulator) it will take your battery out too, just not as fast. Then when you replace the alternator the old beat up batter will start toasting your new alternator.
Been there done that, don't want to do it again.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by 93nighthawk
REPLACE YOUR BATTERY!!!!!
If you don't, you will go through the evil cylce of replacing batteries and alternators. When the alternator starts going out (specifically the regulator) it will take your battery out too, just not as fast. Then when you replace the alternator the old beat up batter will start toasting your new alternator.
Been there done that, don't want to do it again.
If you don't, you will go through the evil cylce of replacing batteries and alternators. When the alternator starts going out (specifically the regulator) it will take your battery out too, just not as fast. Then when you replace the alternator the old beat up batter will start toasting your new alternator.
Been there done that, don't want to do it again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
2 Years, 6 alternators and 9 batteries. I had no clue what was wrong until I moved and took my 5th alternator in to be rebuilt and the old guy that owned the shop asked if I was replacing the battery at the same time. I said no, and he explained it to me. 
(He has been rebuilding starters and alternators for 50+ years) I replaced the battery at the same time and no more issues!
(He has been rebuilding starters and alternators for 50+ years) I replaced the battery at the same time and no more issues!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 425
Likes: 8
From: Park Ridge, Illinois
Had the better half bring in the battery today to be load tested. According to the test equipment, the battery is OK. Talked to my brother too. He thinks there is an intermittant connection somewhere in the wiring (He's had more than his fair share in this area!) Guess its time to start checking all the connections. TNX!
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Clean the battery posts and the clamps too. They get corroded, and cause trouble. And replace your battery cables if this doesn't resolve immediately. They often get corroded inside where you can't see the damage.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 425
Likes: 8
From: Park Ridge, Illinois
Finally figured out the problem. The replacement alternator was defective. After my son and i checked all the wiring and had the battery load tested, that was the only possible problem left. The 2nd replacement works like a champ. Thanks to all for your help!
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