88 5.0 Electrical / Alternator Problem

[Ford]

The Problem is back ... Driving tonight the volt gauge was bouncing around from 14 to 12 to 10 and then back to 14. So I pulled the alternator out and removed the voltage regulator. The brushes in the regulator are certainly worn down. I'm sure I could replace the regulator and not have any problems for a long time. BUT, with the alternator out from under the hood I figure I will go ahead and have the whole thing rebuilt. Anyone know a good place to have it rebuilt?

[HanksGT]

I have used Phoenix Genrator Exchange with good results.

The Problem is back ... Driving tonight the volt gauge was bouncing around from 14 to 12 to 10 and then back to 14. So I pulled the alternator out and removed the voltage regulator. The brushes in the regulator are certainly worn down. I'm sure I could replace the regulator and not have any problems for a long time. BUT, with the alternator out from under the hood I figure I will go ahead and have the whole thing rebuilt. Anyone know a good place to have it rebuilt?

[scottman70]

Hey there if that there Mustang of yours is annoying you I would be happy to give you $1500 cash for it today!

[Ford]

Replaced the alternator, but problem is back ... Headlights were flashing on and off last night, voltage meter was randomly dropping. Frustrating.

[Ford]

Found this link... there was actually a Ford service bulletin about the headlight / foglamp flashing problem. http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenance/foglights.html

[Jacostang]

If you are running both the headlights and the "GT" lights and do not have it retrofitted it will throw the relay alot, it over loads it. The retro fix is easy and I have done it on both of my Foxes. Once fitted with the extra relay you can run your GT lights with your brights on also, its very nice and you wont have that problem anymore, I thought it was mainly a charging issue..

[Ford]

Yes, it is a charging issue... and a retrofit problem on top of that. Pulled the brand new alternator out and had Autozone bench test it ... it failed all tests. Drove to Sanderson and replaced it with another. Installed the replacement and will have Power Ford run an electrical diagnostic in the morning.

[Jacostang]

Very cool, and let me know if you want help with the retro fit. I would be glad to help you out with that.
Dave

[Ford]

Thanks, I definitely want to do the retrofit ... once this charging issue out of the way.

[Ford]

Hopefully this is the last post on this topic. Took the 5.0 to Power Ford, they traced the problem back to a short in the ignition switch... replaced the switch, problem gone!