Dipping dash lights

Tiny
QUIETONE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
My dash board lights dips while driving and there is a slight hesitation in the engine if my house lights are on it also dips. I have had the voltage on the alternator checked and is fine. I have also noticed that at times I have to turn my keys twice before the engine activates and must have my foot on the accelerator pedal before this. I can stand on the outside and start my engine in one turn. Can you advise what I am to check?
Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 10:52 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you mean the lights dim at times, that may be a difficult one to identify if it is related to the alternator. Have you checked the basics? Are the battery terminals clean and tight and free of corrosion? Have you checked the main grounds from the battery to the body and engine block?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
QUIETONE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I have checked alternator and is charging perfect today. I checked battery and pole did not notice anything not working, so I will observe. Thanks again.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:

It may even be a good idea to remove the battery terminals, clean both the posts and the terminals, and inspect the grounds.

As far as the alternator, based on your description, it sounds like the problem exists when you are driving. It could be a regulator going bad or something internal in the alternator that is intermittent. How was the alternator tested?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
QUIETONE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Was tested with a voltage tester and read well. I will further clean poles and examine ground.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Let me know what you find. Also, if you can get your hands on an OBD2 live data scanner and check voltage while driving when the lights dim, it may help. It's just a thought.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
QUIETONE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I can and will do so.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Sounds like a plan. Let me know the results.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 8:20 PM

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