Charging system
03-31-2011, 09:34 PM
#1
Charging system
So for some time now my battery light had been on. Voltage always seemed fine. It has been about 4 months.
So on my way home my voltage was remarkably low, but holding steady. A situation arose to where I had to downshift and accelerate and the car sputtered and backfired (low voltage). So my abs light faintly showed itself and my tach died. I could still accel slightly so when I got off the highway I pulled over and let the car idle for a moment. To my surprise...a click and viola! Voltage back up and everything works! It sounded as if my AC compressor kicked on.
Got home and pulled the alt out. Took it down to the shop and it failed two out of three tests.
Now, my question is; How do I test the voltage regulator? Since I can safely say that the alternator had been working properly but intermittent. Also, when an alt goes bad, there's no in between right? It either works or it doesn't?
Anyway, I'm considering buying a 130A alt from AM. $250 duckets!
Help me Cliff!
So on my way home my voltage was remarkably low, but holding steady. A situation arose to where I had to downshift and accelerate and the car sputtered and backfired (low voltage). So my abs light faintly showed itself and my tach died. I could still accel slightly so when I got off the highway I pulled over and let the car idle for a moment. To my surprise...a click and viola! Voltage back up and everything works! It sounded as if my AC compressor kicked on.
Got home and pulled the alt out. Took it down to the shop and it failed two out of three tests.
Now, my question is; How do I test the voltage regulator? Since I can safely say that the alternator had been working properly but intermittent. Also, when an alt goes bad, there's no in between right? It either works or it doesn't?
Anyway, I'm considering buying a 130A alt from AM. $250 duckets!
Help me Cliff!
04-02-2011, 05:16 AM
#3
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
The voltage regulator is in the generator, so if you are planning on buying a new unit whether it's good or bad is irrelevant.
As to which replacement to buy, I would just get one from any local FLAPS (actually for a generator I'd probably go to NAPA, they have their NAPA brand 130A rebuilt for $160)--my theory being that the OEM unit appears to have lasted 13 years, so why is anything better needed?
As to which replacement to buy, I would just get one from any local FLAPS (actually for a generator I'd probably go to NAPA, they have their NAPA brand 130A rebuilt for $160)--my theory being that the OEM unit appears to have lasted 13 years, so why is anything better needed?
04-02-2011, 08:07 AM
#6
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
Charging System
The charging system is a negative ground system consisting of the following:
The charging system is a negative ground system consisting of the following:
- generator
- integral/internal voltage regulator
- charging system warning indicator
- storage battery
- necessary wiring and cables
Last edited by cliffyk; 04-02-2011 at 08:13 AM.
04-02-2011, 09:46 AM
#7
Yes the cobra has a unique alternator. I will again refer to my shop manual when I get home.
J chose not to get the PA performance alt from AM. I called my local mustang shop and as fate would have it, the man on the other end of the line was VERY knowledgable with alt's. I get my brand new OEM spec alternator Monday.
J chose not to get the PA performance alt from AM. I called my local mustang shop and as fate would have it, the man on the other end of the line was VERY knowledgable with alt's. I get my brand new OEM spec alternator Monday.
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