djcwardog
05-14-2004, 12:01 PM
Folks,
I have read some similar posts, but not exactly this fact pattern:
I was on a trip, stopped for gas, started up, and then noticed my battery light was on - this had never happened before. The voltmeter was showing 12 volts (usually shows just over 14). I popped the hood and checked cables, etc. As I checked the alternator control harness that plugs in the alternator, I heard a click. I looked back at the dash and the voltmeter was now reading 14 volts, no battery light.
Of course, I was concerned, so I had the charging system checked at the local parts store. They said the battery was good and the alternator was also good. The problem has not repeated itself. The parts guy said that sometimes the Ford harnesses go bad - that often his customers buy a new pigtail when they buy a new alternator. I didn't buy anything that day.
Could it have been as simple as the wiring harness being a little loose where it hooks up to the alternator? Maybe some corrosion on the wires where they meet?
I do notice that on startup, the volts read about 12 (with no battery light coming on) and then after a second or two, the gauge pulls up to just over 14v, where it stays. I am running a new Autometer volt gauge that matches the also-new functioning oil pressure gauge!
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
I have read some similar posts, but not exactly this fact pattern:
I was on a trip, stopped for gas, started up, and then noticed my battery light was on - this had never happened before. The voltmeter was showing 12 volts (usually shows just over 14). I popped the hood and checked cables, etc. As I checked the alternator control harness that plugs in the alternator, I heard a click. I looked back at the dash and the voltmeter was now reading 14 volts, no battery light.
Of course, I was concerned, so I had the charging system checked at the local parts store. They said the battery was good and the alternator was also good. The problem has not repeated itself. The parts guy said that sometimes the Ford harnesses go bad - that often his customers buy a new pigtail when they buy a new alternator. I didn't buy anything that day.
Could it have been as simple as the wiring harness being a little loose where it hooks up to the alternator? Maybe some corrosion on the wires where they meet?
I do notice that on startup, the volts read about 12 (with no battery light coming on) and then after a second or two, the gauge pulls up to just over 14v, where it stays. I am running a new Autometer volt gauge that matches the also-new functioning oil pressure gauge!
Any thoughts?
Thanks!