voltage spike
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 368
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From: s.e. wisconsin
voltage spike
i have a 99 f150 5.4 auto 4x4 and sometimes when i stand on it to pass someone i get a voltage spike and it blows both headlight bulbs is there an external regulator or do i need to get a new alternator
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
Untill it is checked out, the alternator has a built in voltage regulator.
If it fails in just the right way, the alternator can go full output raiseing the voltage as high as 18 volts.
This over voltage can affect incandesent type lamp especially under vibration.
It will also cook the electrolite water content out of the battery fairly quick in hot temps and contribute to shortened life.
Overheats the alternator and can cause reduced fuel mileage due to the increased 'unintended' loading on the motor.
Good luck.
If it fails in just the right way, the alternator can go full output raiseing the voltage as high as 18 volts.
This over voltage can affect incandesent type lamp especially under vibration.
It will also cook the electrolite water content out of the battery fairly quick in hot temps and contribute to shortened life.
Overheats the alternator and can cause reduced fuel mileage due to the increased 'unintended' loading on the motor.
Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 31
From: Winnipeg
Get your battery tested. Today's alternators are not designed to recharge weak/dead/boosted batteries with vehicle accessories running at the same time. As Bluegrass 7 explained the alt/reg may overheat causing the increased voltage.
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