Alternator/Batt issue

[MM_BKK]

The Cobra regulator is self-controlled but for some reason the engineers at Ford felt it was important to have these Panther's PCM control it instead.
Great question to ask the designers.

[wrc7732]

So you said earlier in this post that you swapped out the regulator in the Cobra Alternator for a different regulator that is PCM controlled like the Marauder alt. Did this utilize the same Cobra harness or did you have to buy a different one?? Does this different regulator fit right in place of the cobra regulator?? Also, does the regulator you chose allow the cobra alternator to be controlled as you stated the Marauder one is in a previous post??

I'm reluctant to go this route because it is such a PITA to remove the front crank pulley, power steering pump and brackets, and radiator hoses, etc. to get the darn alternator out of where it sits in the notched frame. If I an get it to work without going this route then obviously that is my preference, although I'm beginning to wonder if it is possible or not.

[FordNut]

One possible solution, not sure if it will work or not. In the tune, there is a system switch for PCM controlled alternator. If this parameter is set to 0, it just might revert to the standard type alternator/regulator controls. Most of us who have done swaps just put on an alternator/regulator that works with the PCM and run all 3 wires to the extended harness.

[MM_BKK]

The replacement regulator uses the stock Cobra harness connector.

It absolutely converts the Cobra alternator to work like the stock MM allowing PCM controlled. Mine has been working for almost a year now.
The regulator is a direct bolt-in replacement.

I found the link for you from where I got it from. Click here.

[MM_BKK]

Just remember when converting the wires from MM harness to Cobra, pin 1 on the Cobra is on the left where as MM is on the right as you're looking at the connector end.

[wrc7732]

It seems as though 1 of the wires is thicker guage. I just matched up the colors when wiring it up. That way they were all the same gauge and color. Do I need to switch them around and ignore the thickness of the wire??

[MM_BKK]

If I remember correctly, the Cobra harness only have 2 wires coming out. You'll need to pick up a replacement one from NAPA or similiar and it will have 3 wires on the new connector.
Don't worry about the wiring different thickness on the connector. They're all low current circuit except for that alternator output wire.

[wrc7732]

You're right about the Cobra harness only having 2 wires coming out of it. So I ordered the regulator this afternoon. I need to get a pigtail from Napa or Tousley if I have to. I'll figure that out tomorrow.

So as far as the wiring goes. Let me make sure I'm understanding right. So I just need to ignore the colors and gauge of the wires, and basically just reverse the order of how the wires go into the connector. Is that right??

Bummer that I have to pull the alternator again. The way it's stuffed in between the frame notches makes it that I have to pull the lower pulley assembly and power steering pump to get at it. I'm guessing that seeing as you are using the cobra alternator that have the same issue. Oh well, hopefully this'll be the last time.

[MM_BKK]

Yep, just reverse the wiring order when transfering.

[wrc7732]

So not only did Ford decide to control one with the PCM and the other internally, they also decide to use the same color wires but turn them around backwards from one another. Go figure.