Need Help
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New User
Joined: Dec 2008
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Need Help
I need help i have a 1990 xlt 5.0 ltr f150, my volt meter keeps spiking and the battery light comes on... when the truck warms up it shuts off,so i have to keep my foot on the clutch to get it to idle. can a clogged cat conveter cause the idle, and what may be the problem with the volt meter. ??? thank you guys for the help.
Last edited by mrnepa; Dec 23, 2008 at 03:58 PM. Reason: mispelling
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Indianapolis
I don't know if you are close to a AutoZone or other parts store, but they may be able to help you with their diagnostic equipment for free. They have been a big help to me in diagnosing electrical problems.
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ok more information. on problem battery is brnad new from napa, cables and junction on side wall brand new, alternator no idea. i think i need to test it, i take it i set the meter to volts AC? ~? thank you for the help.
Elder User
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No DC, and which meter is spiking, the one on the dash? What shuts off, the light or the truck. First guess alternator is NG, like already mentioned go to Autozone or elsewhere and have it tested. Sounds like voltage regulator inside alternator is shot, that may/will cause this. Also, you might have a bad ground somewhere on battery, engine, ignition, etc. that may cause the VR to start acting up. And, like Quick mentioned, provide all the details, last tune up, battery condition, is truck pretty good shape or junker etc.
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Also, if ignition coil is old POS, $18, take it out, clean everything real good and put in a new one, not worth the hassle of guessing what that is doing. Also another good electrical tip which I've posted several times is get a basic needle volt meter and hook it to a cigar plug. Use it while you're driving, the one on your dash could be NG and doesn't tell enough like the drops and peaks that you can see with a better one.
