Help low voltage
12-13-2005, 01:43 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 4
Help low voltage
I just bought a 1996 mustang gt conv. automatic. It is all stock including pulleys. It only has flowmasters. I just put in a new alterantor and battery. the alternator charges. However, in traffic or at astop light with the lights on and my foot on the brake, the voltage really drops. It drop down to the low 12s (12.07-12.15). After I accelerate it jumps up again to mid 13s. The battery does charge, Every morning b4 start it is at 12.15-12.55. Once I start the car the volts jump up at 14s. The problem is at idle in traffic. Is this a common problem wtith mustangs. Please help.
12-13-2005, 02:36 PM
#2
I ♥ Acer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,225
RE: Help low voltage
I am confused. How much voltage do you think your 12V battery is supposed to have?
I guess the key thing to ask would be does it ever discharge? I wouldn't worry too much about how much it charges, I would be concerned if it indicates a discharge. If you are not having starting issues, lights dim, etc., you probably don't have a problem.
I guess the key thing to ask would be does it ever discharge? I wouldn't worry too much about how much it charges, I would be concerned if it indicates a discharge. If you are not having starting issues, lights dim, etc., you probably don't have a problem.
12-13-2005, 03:17 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 4
RE: Help low voltage
Thanks for answering. I thought the alternator should alway be charging above 13volts. I am afraid that at idle in traffic, the battery will discharge causing the car to shut off. Do you know if the readings are normal.
12-13-2005, 06:47 PM
#5
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: On your six, 1.2nm... and I have tone!
Posts: 455
RE: Help low voltage
Don't know if it's relevant at all, but my (non Mustang) Ford product holds the volt meter needle right at 14v all of the time. The only exception to this is if I have absolutely every electrical item (including rear defrost) on and running at once while standing at idle. In that situation it drops to around 12.5 - 13 volts.
12-13-2005, 06:51 PM
#6
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
RE: Help low voltage
ORIGINAL: dd1996mstng
I just bought a 1996 mustang gt conv. automatic. It is all stock including pulleys. It only has flowmasters. I just put in a new alterantor and battery. the alternator charges. However, in traffic or at astop light with the lights on and my foot on the brake, the voltage really drops. It drop down to the low 12s (12.07-12.15). After I accelerate it jumps up again to mid 13s. The battery does charge, Every morning b4 start it is at 12.15-12.55. Once I start the car the volts jump up at 14s. The problem is at idle in traffic. Is this a common problem wtith mustangs. Please help.
I just bought a 1996 mustang gt conv. automatic. It is all stock including pulleys. It only has flowmasters. I just put in a new alterantor and battery. the alternator charges. However, in traffic or at astop light with the lights on and my foot on the brake, the voltage really drops. It drop down to the low 12s (12.07-12.15). After I accelerate it jumps up again to mid 13s. The battery does charge, Every morning b4 start it is at 12.15-12.55. Once I start the car the volts jump up at 14s. The problem is at idle in traffic. Is this a common problem wtith mustangs. Please help.
12-13-2005, 10:32 PM
#7
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location:
Posts: 4
RE: Help low voltage
Not sure if this applies to modern day cars, but on my 65 fastback I would check the voltage regulator if you experience a steady voltage drop.
Quick Internet part checking for the 1996 Mustang GT indicates that these cars do have a voltage regulator as a separate part.
Quick Internet part checking for the 1996 Mustang GT indicates that these cars do have a voltage regulator as a separate part.
12-14-2005, 03:41 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 4
RE: Help low voltage
I tried setting the idle higher manually. However after driving for a while the idle drops back down. I was told in order to raise the idle it has to be done with a computer. It is now set at 600 650 rpm. Any info on where or how to raise the idle. The dealers will not do any that is not factory set.
12-14-2005, 04:35 PM
#9
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
RE: Help low voltage
600 to 650??? That IS low. No wonder... you should be set at least at 800 if not 850. Grab a volt meter, a screwdriver, and search on the forum or google IAC adjustment for 1996 Mustang. You need to adjust the idle first then see what happens.
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