Battery light comes on when accelerating

M

miksax

New Member

Jul 5, 2005

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Aug 17, 2009

#1

• Aug 17, 2009

• #1

I just noticed this last time out: When accelerating and the RPMs get above 3,000 the battery light comes on and the amp gauge dips a little bit.

There doesn't seem to be any loss of power and this is not something that I have noticed before. The battery is maybe 14 months old and the alternator is maybe 2 years old or younger.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

J

James_G

New Member

Apr 9, 2009

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Aug 17, 2009

#2

• Aug 17, 2009

• #2

This happened to me before as time went on it kept getting worse until i eventually had to replace the alternator

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Aug 18, 2009

#3

• Aug 18, 2009

• #3

Is there any chance your belt is slipping?

 

67coupe

Founding Member

Apr 5, 2002

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Huntsville, AL

Aug 18, 2009

#4

• Aug 18, 2009

• #4

+1

Same thing happened to me. Check condition of the belt and tensioner. Also look for any fluid leaks that might spray on the belt. I had a leak in one of my coolant hoses (water pump to heater rail) cause this exact same problem.

 

M

miksax

New Member

Jul 5, 2005

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Aug 18, 2009

#5

• Aug 18, 2009

• #5

Good info. The belt was changed last summer and I'm not sure what I'm looking for on the tensioner. Is there any way to check if the belt is slipping beyond that snasty squeal that you hear on some cars?

thanks

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

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Aug 18, 2009

#6

• Aug 18, 2009

• #6

Look at the tensioner wear indicators (it's there to tell you if your belt is stretching).

If you have another belt (like an old belt you keep in the trunk as a spare), I'd put it on and see if the issue continues.

The checking for fluids dripping on the belt is an excellent suggestion.

 

M

miksax

New Member

Jul 5, 2005

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Aug 18, 2009

#7

• Aug 18, 2009

• #7

Thanks, I'll check this and report back tomorrow.

 

M

miksax

New Member

Jul 5, 2005

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Aug 19, 2009

#8

• Aug 19, 2009

• #8

Just checked the dial on the tensioner and it's right in the center. I didn't see any fluids on the belt either. Alternator is the next logical step?

Thanks

 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy

5 Year Member

Jul 1, 2005

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Apache Junction, AZ

Aug 19, 2009

#9

• Aug 19, 2009

• #9

Yep. Voltage regulator on the fritz, perhaps?

Pull 'er off and have it bench-tested at a parts store.

 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member

May 19, 2002

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Orlando

Aug 19, 2009

#10

• Aug 19, 2009

• #10

Since you checked the belt and tension then it sounds like the alt is fried.

If funds allow now would be a good time to upgrade to a 3G alternator set up.

 

M

miksax

New Member

Jul 5, 2005

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Sep 5, 2009

#11

• Sep 5, 2009

• #11

Hey guys, you were right. I got the alt tested and it was not happy.
Just replaced it and the problem is solved.

Thanks for the expert help.

Mike

 

T

time only

New Member

Nov 15, 2002

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Miami,FL

Sep 5, 2009

#12

• Sep 5, 2009

• #12

miksax said:

Good info. The belt was changed last summer and I'm not sure what I'm looking for on the tensioner. Is there any way to check if the belt is slipping beyond that snasty squeal that you hear on some cars?

thanks

Click to expand...

Glad you get it fixed..BTW Don't laugh at those Mustangs with the nasty squeal under the hood. Some of them could clean our clock.

 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member

May 19, 2002

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Orlando

Sep 6, 2009

#13

• Sep 6, 2009

• #13

time only said:

Glad you get it fixed..BTW Don't laugh at those Mustangs with the nasty squeal under the hood. Some of them could clean our clock.

Click to expand...

That or its the typical Ford power steering whine.