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I have a towncar

Tiny
RDDMES
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 185,000 MILES
I have a towncar. It is charging at 15 volts. Is the alt. Bad or voltage regulator and are they separate on this model? Thank you very much. Ron
Sunday, November 6th, 2011 AT 1:16 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Its integral-could be the regulator not controlling the alternator. Have it load tested
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Sunday, November 6th, 2011 AT 3:36 AM
Tiny
DARKD0R
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Not an expert here, but 15 volts may be ok. The Haynes manual for Lincoln Town Car (1970-2001) says running voltage should be 14-15 volts. The spec sheet for the alternator I just installed in a 1988 TC listed regulator set point as 14.8v, idling with no accessories measured 14.5v. The battery will only read 12v if the engine and all accessories are turned off. Nominal running voltage for a "12 volt" system is 13.5v or so. The relevant questions may be:
Has the charging voltage of your car changed recently?
Is 15v causing problems, like burned-out bulbs, etc?
How accurate is your voltmeter?
If you haven't already, you might check some other cars' running voltage with your meter for comparison.
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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 5:30 AM

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