power surging on mustang - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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gixxer6nick
User

Jan 13, 2006, 3:36 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1994 views)

power surging on mustang	Sign In

1988 Ford Mustang LX 4cyl 2.3L automatic

While in park or neutral, the voltage gauge constantly surges from around 10v-15v. Each time it surges, the idle changes as well from 750rmp-1100rmp, and I keep on hearing a click/popping sound with it. Anyone have a clue what's going on? Has a brand new battery/alternator in it.

Thanks for any info,
Nick
Daytona Beach, FL

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 13, 2006, 8:39 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1985 views)

Re: power surging on mustang	Sign In

I'm near certain the voltage regulater is in the new alternator. That should not allow a reading of 15V ever! You'll start blowing lights and who knows what if it went much higher. My guess is bad new alternator. T

gixxer6nick
User

Jan 16, 2006, 3:28 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1966 views)

Re: power surging on mustang	Sign In

Thanks for the info Tom! I take the alt. in to get it checked out. What's the average life span on an alt. ?

Thanks,
Nick
Daytona Beach, FL

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 16, 2006, 6:08 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1965 views)

Average lifespan of an Alternator?	Sign In

The life of things like this is still a mystery to me. Some last decades and some just hours??

Most of us buy these things rebuilt. They are kind of a motor not so unlike a starter motor, wiper motor and others throughout the car.

What's out of sight in an Alternator is a diode trio, voltage regulator, bearings and brushes (which are a carbon spring loaded wearing item that makes electrical contact) which are frequently the fault. Some rebuilders only replace what they find wrong with your trade-in -- clean it up pretty and sell it again. Some put all new stuff in them and even that can fail??

For a guess: Cars with daytime running lights and electric fuel pumps are working an alternator harder so probably won't last as long but it's a crap shoot. I will venture a guess that a good one will last 75,000 miles. Speaking for myself - I don't just put a new/rebuilt one in any car as a preventative measure as I just can't tell for sure. T

gixxer6nick
User

Jan 19, 2006, 3:15 PM

Post #5 of 5 (1962 views)

Re: Average lifespan of an Alternator?	Sign In

Thanks for the knowledge Tom!

Nick
Daytona Beach, FL

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