few electrical issues

[roland]

my alternator went out back in march, and since then I've noticed if I get on the engine (6000+ RPM) the battery light comes on, I did a search and someone said "get ready to replace the alternator" - which I just replaced, and it wasnt doing this right before it went bad. Also if the car is idling the lights get dim, especially the headlamps, i didnt notice this a year ago and up until i think just before the alternator went out this wasnt a problem. Also around the last year, the keypad has stopped working, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesnt, but mostly it doesnt work. I had the battery replaced last september, and I was told when the alternator went out the battery was dead too (alternator casing was cracked the shop said), fortunately it was still under warranty.

 

[ThatShoGuy]

my alternator went out back in march, and since then I've noticed if I get on the engine (6000+ RPM) the battery light comes on, I did a search and someone said "get ready to replace the alternator" - which I just replaced, and it wasnt doing this right before it went bad. Also if the car is idling the lights get dim, especially the headlamps, i didnt notice this a year ago and up until i think just before the alternator went out this wasnt a problem. Also around the last year, the keypad has stopped working, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesnt, but mostly it doesnt work. I had the battery replaced last september, and I was told when the alternator went out the battery was dead too (alternator casing was cracked the shop said), fortunately it was still under warranty.

sounds like the alternator is weak....

 

[SHOZ123]

Did you keep the original pulley? There are at least three different sized pulleys for the alternator used on the SHO/Windstars/Explorers.

 

[wymjym]

if the alternator was a rebuilt one, then I hope it was from a local reliable rebuilder. If so then there is a thread over at V8SHO mentioning that the plug on the back of the alt sometimes needs cleaned/or replaced. The bad plug showed the same symptoms you mentioned.
wj

 

[SHOZ123]

Usually if the alt drops out at high rpms it is the brushes floating. This is probably due to a worn contact area on the commutator where the brushes ride. A larger pulley will slow the alternator speed down.