Odd dash light problem.

ethan12510

New Member
Sep 14, 2007
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Queensbury
Ok, here's my problem: The other day while I was driving three dash lights came on. They were the Battery light, Brake light and the Tail light indicator. They all came on at once. I immediately pulled over to make sure that all my lights were working, and that my brake fluid reservoir was full. All lights worked, and the brake fluid reservoir was full. Also all three lights came on a couple of days earlier while I was on the high way, but after only a minute or two went out. Does any one have any idea's?
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
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Fort Worth, TX
Alternator issue.

Either you're losing connection to the alternator, or the regualtor is going out. Fix/tighten the wiring, or if the wiring is fine replace the alternator before you get stranded...
 

ethan12510

New Member
Sep 14, 2007
12
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Queensbury
Poodles;1154687 said:
Alternator issue.

Either you're losing connection to the alternator, or the regualtor is going out. Fix/tighten the wiring, or if the wiring is fine replace the alternator before you get stranded...

Thanks for the reply Poodles.
Tomorrow i'll check the connection for the alternator. But im not sure what the regulator is? A voltage regulator? If so where would I find it?
 

slidebabyslide

Starting FRESH !!!!
Dec 17, 2006
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salinas,california
voltage regulator is inside the alternator. it regulates voltage and the power it does not need it converts it to heat. take the alternator of and take it get tested if you don't have a multimeter to check dc voltage in the battery
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
16,757
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43
Fort Worth, TX
Yeha, it's inside the alternator and if you take the alternator apart it can be replaced, but it's generally a better bet to replace the entire thing as there are other wear items in it.
 

ethan12510

New Member
Sep 14, 2007
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Queensbury
Ok thanks for all the help. I'm going to take the car to the parts store later today, and have them test the alternator. I'm pretty sure they can test it while it's still in the car. Also i'm unsure of how to take the alternator off, but i'll look at the TSRM. If I have any questions i'll ask,
 

Who

Supramania Contributor
I had an alternator go bad on my Ford Exploder. On and off symptom just like yours. Went to Sears and it tested ok. I new something was wrong with the alternator because you could of fried eggs on it. It was smoking hot. Replaced the alternator and all is fine. Not the most scientific approach but just another idea.
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
16,757
0
0
43
Fort Worth, TX
Yep, can cause some ugly things to happen. Alternator can catch on fire, it could overcharge the system (hopefully blowing the fuse before it does damage), but either way you're getting stranded.

Up to you if you want to get it tested, but know that is is going out...
 

ethan12510

New Member
Sep 14, 2007
12
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Queensbury
Poodles;1155248 said:
Yep, can cause some ugly things to happen. Alternator can catch on fire, it could overcharge the system (hopefully blowing the fuse before it does damage), but either way you're getting stranded.

Up to you if you want to get it tested, but know that is is going out...

I am replacing the alternator. After looking into it further I have discovered that the alternator makes a grinding noise. How hard is it to change? I have a guy who works on things I cant handle. Just wondering the difficulty of the swap.
 

VA7MGE

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
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Virgina Beach
im having the same problem, after i changed out the alternator. the car does not want to turn over, there is a constant clicking noise. should i get my alternator and battery tested to see if they are both in good working order?
 

ethan12510

New Member
Sep 14, 2007
12
0
0
Queensbury
Alright I have replaced the alternator, but now it seems something else is wrong. My old alternator was melted, and the studs were rotted out. Now I seems like it's not charging. What could it be?
Possible Causes:
1. Battery was pretty out of juice before I replaced the alternator. I will be Charging it tomorrow.
2. Wiring? Could something be faulty in the wiring. Does any one have a Diagram?
3. Faulty alternator. I will be calling the place where I got it (Autopart International) tomorrow to see if they have been having any issues.
4. Anything else?
Thanks, Ethan