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My Car Thinks It's At A Rave

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    #1

    My Car Thinks It's At A Rave

    So whenever I drive my car, I notice the lights pulsate dependent on engine/alternator speed.

    It never used to do this before the collision.

    For instance, at a stop with my foot on the brake it'll do this a fair bit, then behave once I put my foot on the gas.

    Crappy alternator? Or does my car think life is a party?
    Tags: None
    #2
    I doubt it's a loose belt but I'd check it anyway. Most likely the voltage regulator. Do you have a volt meter? Here's some tips that might help. Measure your battery voltage with the car off (12.8 +/- 0.2 volts)
    Measure your battery voltage running with all accessories off (13.6 to 14.6 volts). Then place your AC on and fan on high, then turn on your headlamps while the car is running (your voltage on the battery leads should not drop more than 0.5V from the reading with it running and the accessories off (diff of 0.5V).
    If you voltage drops way below the 0.5 difference, you likely have a bad alternator. If voltage is higher than the above readings and goes higher with engine RPM, then suspect the VR. If your battery is 4 year older don't discount a problem with the battery.
    Last edited by P72Crazy; 12-07-2013, 09:50 AM. Reason: correct voltage readings

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      #3
      If its an external voltage reg, make sure the mounting point is clean. Those ground through the case, and if its bolted to a rusty spot on the fender it probably won't act right. The stock 65 amp internally regulated alternator is just a piece of crap and it does the dimming / flickery light thing.
      86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
      5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

      91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

      1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

      Originally posted by phayzer5
      I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

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        #4
        2nd on checking your grounds. Given the front end damage, I'd be taking a close look at the small ground cable that grounds the rad cradle.

        Alex.

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          #5
          Alternator and battery were changed in April.

          I'll investigate the grounds.

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by Mike_Windsor View Post
            Alternator and battery were changed in April.

            I'll investigate the grounds.
            Doesn't matter. The alt could have crapped out. Do all the voltage checks P72 said AND check the grounds.


            '93 T-bird
            '03 Silverado ECSB

            Missed:
            '88 Mark VII
            '86 CV

            Comment

              #7
              Voltage regulator is internal to the alternator.

              Hopefully it's that.

              Comment

                #8
                Try XTC in the gas tank.



                Pete
                Originally posted by gadget73
                For other types of inquiry, more information is required. Please press 4 to speak to a representative who can help you with your question. This call may be monitored for quality assurance purposes.


                2003 Grand Marquis Ultimate, the "Stealth Bomber": http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...-Grand-Marquis
                1991 S-10, 'Bulldog', 2.5l 5 speed: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...375#post698375
                1985 Town Car, 'Faded Glory', gone but not forgotten. 84/87/91/97 MGMs too.

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                  #9

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