I have a '89 5.0 and have just replaced a 4 year old bad battery and replaced a bad alternator. Upon replacement of batt and alt and checked all grounds and cables replaced if neccasary, I still am not getting any charging from the alternater. It is like I have no alternator hooked up at all. After I hook up a charger and recharge the batt the car will start but will slowly loose juice and die. Please submit any suggestions I am all ears.

thanks everyone

 

Did you change the clips going into the alternator? That could be your problem, Fords are notorious for catching fire because of the stupid harness. That's why '95+ have a separate power line.

 

maan I feel stupid. First I hate having a problem that I just cant seem to see the answer for. But anyhow in udder frustration I rechecked everything again and upon following the ground wire for the alternator harness, I noticed that the wire had became separated somwhere in between in a connecting harness,you see I checked the ground on the wire, which was fine, but I failed to properly follow the main ground wire.

thanks now I am back on the road.

 

that's always nice to hear

 

I kept having the same problem with my 88' and 82' I got sick of it and put in a 94' and later alternator which is 130 amp instead of the stock 95 amp.I also replaced the plug going to it.the plug is a little hard to find . You dont have to replace it unless its badly corroded.You will have to grind a little off your bracket to make it fit.And maybe somer minor modification to your wires i know there are wiring diagrams on the internet about it.Or PA Performance has a kit with all directions and parts you need .That eliminated all of my charging problems so far anyways.I hope this helps.