Little help...please

averagehonky · February 25, 2006

Last week I noticed while at an idle in Park I could rev engine and the dash lights would get brighter. Had a dealer check and the 750CCA battery was doing 400 so I put in a new battery, it was 5 years old anyway. Now I notice the Gear selection box in cluster and radio clock are flickering like they have a heart beat on idle. Also the volt meter display in the Escort radar detector is bouncing around real fast 13.0, 13.4, 12.9, 13.3, 12.8, 13.2. Use to be a steady 13.8-9. So what the heck is it now - alternator ??? It's 5 years old but only 23,000 miles. Crap should be just getting broken in.

sgiangregorio · February 25, 2006

Voltage regulator, which I believe is part of the alternator. Someone with more knowledge will weigh in, but that's what I'm thinking.

pm26 · February 25, 2006

You are right - it sure sounds like the voltage regulator. The regulator is internal to the alternator, but can be purchased separately and replaced. I would take the alternator to a reputable alternator shop and have the alternator bench tested and have the regulator replaced.

mcreyaufmiller · February 26, 2006

You are right - it sure sounds like the voltage regulator. The regulator is internal to the alternator, but can be purchased separately and replaced. I would take the alternator to a reputable alternator shop and have the alternator bench tested and have the regulator replaced.

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Agreed, I have had this problem before in other vehicles.

350HO · February 26, 2006

Very common with bad rebuild's from auto store's

averagehonky · February 26, 2006

Thanks folks. It's the factory one. Only 23K miles on truck. So you can't just replace the regulator, huh ? If not I'll just buy new alternator from NAPA for the same as rebuild price.

pm26 · February 27, 2006

Thanks folks. It's the factory one. Only 23K miles on truck. So you can't just replace the regulator, huh ? If not I'll just buy new alternator from NAPA for the same as rebuild price.

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Yes, you can replace just the regulator, but you need to disassemble the alternator in order to replace it and therefore it was suggested that you remove the alternator and take it to an auto electrical shop that rebuilds alternators and starters. They can bench test the alternator and confirm that your regulator is bad. And they can put a new one in for you. If you buy a regulator by itself and install it yourself, and the problem in the alternator is elsewhere, you will not be able to return the regulator for credit. Electrical parts are typically not returnable.

When I say that you could have another problem I mean that there could be regulator related loose connection somewhere or a bad diode, etc.