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1996 Ford Aerostar Amp light on and off

Tiny
VANCOUVERWAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD AEROSTAR
Electrical problem
1996 Ford Aerostar 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic

I noticed someone else with the same problem of amp light on dash going on and off( goes off occassionally when I accelerate and voltage on meter goes to about 10. Any ideas? Thanks
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Thursday, August 27th, 2009 AT 10:01 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,128 POSTS
With the car running, you should have around 14+ volts. It sounds like the alternator is bad. You can have a parts store check if for you or here is a how to for checking the alt.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm

Let me know what you find.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2009 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
VANCOUVERWAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks, I went to an alternator place and they did determine alternator not putting out. But better than that local libraries arounc Vancouver now have online access to auto manuals from home and while researching the removal/instal procedure I noticed remval/instal for the regulator/bsh setup. I have a reasonable parts place I go to and got the brushs and regulator for about $20/each. I didn"t even remove the alternator to instal! As a little tricky until I removed the oil fill tube, rad return hose(clamp was hard to put back). I think I used a Torx 20 bit and combination small ratchet and even one of those little extendable mirrors to line up the screws because screws are in back. I"m no mechanic and it went back on suprisingly easy!
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Friday, September 11th, 2009 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I had a feeling it was bad. I'm glad you got it fixed, and for under 50 bucks. Let us know if you have questions in the future.
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Friday, September 11th, 2009 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
VANCOUVERWAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, everything was going great after I replaced the regulator and brushes. Yesterday I noticed the alternator
needle on the indicator very unsteady and fluctuating. Had me concerned, same thing today then the needle just dropped like last time. I made it home took the battery out to charge and will possibly buy another regulator tomorrow. Bad part possibly? Don"t know what else to do or what causing it..
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 2:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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It could be a bad part. I question if there is a short in the field windings or other component in the alt. Try replacing the part. I'm sure it's under warranty. Let me know what you find.
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 7:54 AM
Tiny
VANCOUVERWAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I removed battery, charged overnite (was still at 12v when I put on charger). I did notice battery clamps could be removed by hand(snug but not lock tight).
When I put battery back(wrench on clamps) and started it was charging little over 14v. I think I read somewhere too that overheating can cause problems and seemed hotter than usual under the hood when I removed. So I will drive today and see how long this lasts. Thanks for all the feedback!
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Let me know if it works.
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
DONALDGOLDSR
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  • 38 POSTS
Also, check the cable heads on the battery as well as the battery cables. If the cable heads are hot after running the van for a cpl minits, you'll need a new battery cable.
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
VANCOUVERWAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
So voltage meter on dash dropping again and actually came back up breifly. I drove around today about 40km
and still starting/running. Unlike original problem before I replaced regulator and brushes the ALT light hasn"t come on. Yet. Still puzzled. And I will check the cables next time for overheating.
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Let me know what you find.
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
VANCOUVERWAYNE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I drove van with no charging yesterday including evening with lights on. This morning when I started the amp needle slowly started rising. I quickly put the meter on the battery and it was fluctuating 13 + volts.
After a few minutes it dropped again not to return. Someone suggested to me a short inside the alternator windings itself?
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 AT 2:52 PM

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