Charge light flickers intermittently

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Jul 11, 2008 | 10:58 AM

Wahoo121

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Charge light flickers intermittently

My 01 5.4L charge light flickers intermittently at approx. 2000 rpm the charge light comes on and then goes off at approx. 2200 *or* 2400 rpm.
I replaced the belt thinking it might be slipping, but it continues to come on. The belt tensioner seems all right, How do you check them? It still takes a 24 inch breaker bar to move it. While I had the belt off I took the alternator to NAPA and had them bench test it, it tested ok. The battery is 2 months old.

Any ideas?

Jul 11, 2008 | 01:15 PM

04markIII

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From: Lunenburg, MA

loose connection?

Jul 11, 2008 | 01:50 PM

cbradford

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From: Lost in Pa.

Have your alternator tested as it could be internal which also contains your voltage regulator, I had an issue with my 97 which had 1/2 of the full wave rectifier burned out.

Jul 11, 2008 | 02:08 PM

04markIII

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From: Lunenburg, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbradford

Have your alternator tested as it could be internal which also contains your voltage regulator, I had an issue with my 97 which had 1/2 of the full wave rectifier burned out.

he had it bench tested at a local napa, but maybe it would read/react different say if someone tested it on the vehicle?

Jul 11, 2008 | 02:41 PM

Wahoo121

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I was wondering if there could be a difference between bench testing and on the vehicle testing. I'll find out. As far as loose connection I haven't found any, but there could be one I am missing.

Jul 18, 2008 | 11:02 AM

Wahoo121

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 04markIII

he had it bench tested at a local napa, but maybe it would read/react different say if someone tested it on the vehicle?

Well, I took it to a local repair shop. They tested it in the vehicle for $20. Sure enough the voltage regulator was intermittently bad. Back to NAPA for new alternator, problem solved. Guess that proves bench testing is always effective. They can't get the rpm high enough.

One question, in the alternator box was some dielectric grease. First time I was ever given that. I assume it's for the two small wires. My repair manual says nothing about using it. Should I ?

Last edited by Wahoo121; Jul 18, 2008 at 11:03 AM. Reason: typing error