Battery Needle/Volt Meter?
10-18-2010, 03:25 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Cali
Posts: 7
Battery Needle/Volt Meter?
I have a 2000 GT, V8 with 130,000 miles on it. I had a new alternator and negative battery cable installed a month ago. When the alternator was going bad my battery needle started twitching/fluxuating. I had the alternator changed out and drove the car from TN to Cali. As I got into Arizona the needle started twitching again but never going outside of the little battery icon on the gauge. Once I got to Cali I took her to the Ford dealership and had the battery and alternator tested and the new alternator was faulty. They replaced it with yet another new one.
About 2 days after the new alternator was installed the needle started in again! I of course went back and had it checked and the dealership said it is charging properly to "the high end". I also had a second check run by another mechanic and they said the same thing. The needle is still twitching and occasionally falls to the lower end of the battery icon (never any lower). I'm not losing any power or experiencing start issues.
I wonder if anyone can offer a possible cause of the problem? Could it be that the needle/gauge itself was damaged when the initial alternator died? Any suggestions or ideas would be great. I plan to take her back to the dealership but would like to offer a list of things I want them to specifically check for. Thanks.
About 2 days after the new alternator was installed the needle started in again! I of course went back and had it checked and the dealership said it is charging properly to "the high end". I also had a second check run by another mechanic and they said the same thing. The needle is still twitching and occasionally falls to the lower end of the battery icon (never any lower). I'm not losing any power or experiencing start issues.
I wonder if anyone can offer a possible cause of the problem? Could it be that the needle/gauge itself was damaged when the initial alternator died? Any suggestions or ideas would be great. I plan to take her back to the dealership but would like to offer a list of things I want them to specifically check for. Thanks.
10-18-2010, 04:19 PM
#2
6th Gear Member
Since you're posting in the 2005-2011 forum, I'm not sure we can be a lot of help. But if the voltage regulator isn't a sub-component of your alternator, I'd start there. If it is integral to the alternator then I'm at a loss (unless you're running some very high powered switching loads... any chance you recently installed a high power amp/subwoofer?).
10-18-2010, 05:20 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Cali
Posts: 7
reply
I apparently keep posting in the wrong section but it shows the right years when I list. Sorry about that.
I have the stock Mach sound system and in fact the rear speakers aren't even hooked up. I'm at a loss.
I have the stock Mach sound system and in fact the rear speakers aren't even hooked up. I'm at a loss.
10-22-2010, 08:24 PM
#4
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 317
It could be a bunch of things.
The "new" alternator could have been defective from the factory (most of these are remanufactured).
Your battery might suck.
The ground cable itself may be damaged.
The charging cable also might be damaged.
I hate electrical issues ... there is very rarely a clear cause unless you are clairvoyant.
The "new" alternator could have been defective from the factory (most of these are remanufactured).
Your battery might suck.
The ground cable itself may be damaged.
The charging cable also might be damaged.
I hate electrical issues ... there is very rarely a clear cause unless you are clairvoyant.
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logan409
4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang
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09-26-2015 07:43 PM
05, 1969, 2000 gt, alternator, battery, jumping, meter, mustang, needle, problem, read, technical issues, vehicle, volt meter, voltmeter
