• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Charging System Light

  • Thread starter Thread starter bbayne35
  • Start date Start date Jan 13, 2015

bbayne35

Member
Oct 21, 2004
55
2
19
Maryland
Jan 13, 2015
#1
  • Jan 13, 2015
  • #1
Hi,
I have a 2000 GT with 180000 miles. The short story is that my charging system light is flickering regardless of load or RPM.

The long story is that about a month ago, I noticed it would briefly flicker at higher RPMs. I had the system tested at Advance, and they said the battery and alternator were ok. The battery was installed in October 2013. The alternator was last replaced in 2010. I replaced the serpentine belt and belt tensioner, but I still noticed the occasional brief flicker. I also thoroughly cleaned the battery terminals and connections.

This morning, the charging system light has been flickering much more frequently. Like I mentioned, the load and RPMs do not seem to matter. I immediately drove to Advance again for a charging system test. The tech said everything looks ok. He suggested removing the alternator for a bench test, which I will be doing momentarily.

What else should I be looking for? I noticed when I put the heater on full blast while driving, when the battery light flickered, I heard the blower change speed. It sounds like there is a loose connection somewhere. Battery connections are good and strong. The nut on the alternator is tight and clean. Should I inspect the ground connections? If so, where are they? Thanks.
 

bbayne35

Member
Oct 21, 2004
55
2
19
Maryland
Jan 13, 2015
#2
  • Jan 13, 2015
  • #2
Correction...the alternator is actually pretty new. I replaced it last in September 2014.
 
C

chasM

New Member
Dec 2, 2006
17
0
2
Jan 20, 2015
#3
  • Jan 20, 2015
  • #3
Funny thing, I'm having the exact same problem with nearly the same circumstances. My 2000 GT has a Motorcraft alternator. I suspect it's original. At 185000 miles my battery lite is flickering as well. I have checked all connections and found no problems. I have researched this problem. I suspect a worn out alternator in my case. You might check out the two wire plug that goes to the alternator (voltage regulator) to start. I'll post back after I open up my alternator.
 
C

chasM

New Member
Dec 2, 2006
17
0
2
Feb 8, 2015
#4
  • Feb 8, 2015
  • #4
I reworked every connection to the battery and alternator but no help. every morning my battery light would come on for a minute. I rebuilt my alternator and fixed the issue
 

picku

New Member
Jan 26, 2015
14
1
3
Oklahoma
Feb 9, 2015
#5
  • Feb 9, 2015
  • #5
Did you checked the wire between the alternator and your charging system lamp? Should be a thin wire. Its neccesary to build the first magnetic field to get your alternator working when it rotates.
 

IH8BOWTIES

Member
Jul 6, 2008
92
1
9
Feb 15, 2015
#6
  • Feb 15, 2015
  • #6
Check to see if your headlights flicker also. You could possible have a bad fuse link as well. Two white wires that come off the side of the fuse block on the driver side strut tower that go into the one charging wire (black with red stripe) Also the one the picku speaks of is a smaller wire that has a fuse link as well coming off the same block. Fuse links get overlooked often.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Resolved Electrical Help Please
  • Alabama
  • Jan 22, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
241
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 22, 2026
AeroCoupe
F
Alternator Not Charging
  • Fri Guy
  • Aug 29, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
367
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 31, 2025
AeroCoupe
M
12 mustang gt check charging battery light
  • millerj7950$
  • Jan 24, 2026
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
149
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- May 14, 2026
BossHorseGirl
B
C
Stock 1993 charging issue at idle
  • Charlie1
  • Sep 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
260
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 24, 2025
Mustang5L5
J
98 GT Alternator will not charge battery.
  • johnsadler05
  • Jul 13, 2024
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Aug 10, 2024
johnsadler05
J
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L 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?