• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

altinator problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MattTheBat83
  • Start date Start date Mar 15, 2007
M

MattTheBat83

New Member
Mar 31, 2006
203
0
0
Mar 15, 2007
#1
  • Mar 15, 2007
  • #1
when my car is at idle the battery gauge goes up and down and the idle surges a little bit. could this be that i need an alternator that has mor amps?
 

TomCat

New Member
Apr 19, 2005
412
0
0
Utah
Mar 15, 2007
#2
  • Mar 15, 2007
  • #2
It's likely... mine would drop down and the lights would dim. Apparently the stock unit doesn't put out very much, lol. Check into a 3g Alternator swap... loads of info on here. Or you can go through PowerMaster and get a one-wire style self-exciting one. I got their 150amp and it rocks.
 

JGT

Member
Oct 29, 2006
0
0
7
Charleston, SC
Mar 15, 2007
#3
  • Mar 15, 2007
  • #3
if theres nothing else on, besides the engine, and its going up and down, I don't think its a need more power issue. i think the stock alt puts out 70ish amps
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,811
234
Dublin GA
Mar 16, 2007
#4
  • Mar 16, 2007
  • #4
Figure this:
Ignition system & computer = 12 amps
Fuel pump = 12 amps
Exterior lights = 15 amps
Fan (heater or A/C) = 15 amps (can run between 5-25 amps depending on setting)
Radio & instruments = 10 amps
Wipers = 10 amps

That's grand total of 74 amps from a 65 amp alternator. Talk about overdrawn at the bank!

You guys with idle problems could same a lot of time chasing your tails if you would go through the Surging Idle Checklist. Over 50 different people contributed information to it. The first post has all the fixes, and steps through the how to find and fix you idle problems without spending a lot of time and money. I continue to update it as more people post fixes or ask questions. You can post questions to that sticky and have your name and idle problem recognized. The guys with original problems and fixes get their posts added to the main fix.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Engine Idle cuts out
  • claypoolxx
  • Mar 7, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
468
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Saturday at 5:11 PM
alutwon
Engine Surging idle on start-up
  • keel
  • Aug 11, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
747
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 31, 2025
keel
9
Electrical F150 ECU in a Foxbody? Idle surge help
  • 93royalblue
  • Sep 10, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
377
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 17, 2025
Mustang5L5
7
Engine Random hanging idle
  • 706 Saleen
  • Feb 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
9
Views
422
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 19, 2026
86HO5.0
8
F
Engine 1988 Foxbody idle issues
  • fernandosgarage55
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
400
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 30, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?