alternator

[captain]

Last night the lights went dim and the Amps gauge dropped low when I decided to pass a slower vehicle.
2 things I see here.... either the serpentine belt is enlarging and losing traction on the wheel, or the engine spark demands more than the stock alternator is capable of. Sooo who has a good 200 amp alternator?
Also... any point in upgrading plugs and wires? if so to what brand?

[Zack]

The alternator is programmed to shut off at WOT, there is nothing wrong!

[Zack]

Also, there are 10 second Marauders running stock coils.
NGK plugs or Denso's work well if you have a blower.

[jdando]

Or it could be your alternator is crapping out. I had to replace mine. It started cutting in and out.

Be prepared, these bad boys list for $370 ish.

jeremy

[ctrlraven]

I always see a 200amp alternator for sale on eBay all the time. $240 plus shipping I believe.

How many miles are on your car?

[captain]

40,000 miles
programmed to shut off??! WHaaat?
No electricity when you need it the most?
none of my other Mercs or Fords did such a thing.
I think its breaking down.

[Paul T. Casey]

40,000 miles
programmed to shut off??! WHaaat?
No electricity when you need it the most?
none of my other Mercs or Fords did such a thing.
I think its breaking down.

If you do decide to go with a new alternator let me know. I will buy yours as I don't believe you can get the free-wheeling ones anymore. Myself, I think it's one of the coolest things about the car. Kinda sinister when you go WOT, all the noise and the lights dim.

[RF Overlord]

programmed to shut off??! WHaaat?
No electricity when you need it the most?
none of my other Mercs or Fords did such a thing.
I think its breaking down.

What Zack said is correct. The PCM controls the alternator and it is programmed to shut down at WOT. You don't actually "need it most" at WOT as you're only there for a few seconds and if the battery is in good condition it will carry the load for way longer.

[burt ragio]

I thought the alternator was turned off as part of an aftermarket tune by SCT Exal2 many of use purchased from a vendor. I don't like it when the headlights go dim at full acceleration since most all my full throttle blasts are late at night.

[Paul T. Casey]

What Zack said is correct. The PCM controls the alternator and it is programmed to shut down at WOT. You don't actually "need it most" at WOT as you're only there for a few seconds and if the battery is in good condition it will carry the load for way longer.

I was under the impression that this was an early build feature only. Still, one of my favs.

[captain]

is there a fix to this ? I dont like it at all.
Its dangerous.
And not very flattering, I would laugh at someone like me. Makes it look like your car is crapping out.
What could the thinking behind this be??
too many rrrrsss for the unit to endure?
Saving herself for the horses?
At 80 or 90 miles per hour I want more visibility not less.
Hey... how bout the high beams come on automatically @WOT???
Better, yes?

[burt ragio]

Captain, I will second the motion for a fix on dim headlights under hard accelleration. At 80mph plus I wish I had the lumen power of a comercial air liner. My silver star ultra bulbs are great only when under full power. I thought a read a post on replaceing the lead wire to the bulbs. They said it improved the out put. Some one might pull the post.

[JACook]

is there a fix to this ? I dont like it at all.
Its dangerous.
And not very flattering, I would laugh at someone like me. Makes it look like your car is crapping out.

If it's THAT noticeable, perhaps it's time for a new battery?

BTW, lots of cars cut the alternator at WOT...

[Local Boy]

I go WOT all the time, in the dark, never noticed the lights going dim...

ALOHA

[ImpalaSlayer]

I go WOT all the time, in the dark, never noticed the lights going dim...

ALOHA

i second that. not enough for me to notice