1989 Ford Bronco Voltage gauge jumps with everything

Tiny
ALASKABOY
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD BRONCO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 212,000 MILES
I notice that the battery charge gauge does not stay still.
With engine running, it goes up & down about.2 volts with every blink of the blinkers. It drops about 1 or 2 volts when the lights are turned on, then goes back up when turned off. In all my other rigs (Fords) the charge gauge stays constant in the same situations.

What is this a symptom of?
Battery?
Voltage Regulator?
Alternator?
Ground/short?
Something else?

Thanks!
John in Alaska
Friday, May 22nd, 2009 AT 3:43 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,852 POSTS
John:
If the gauge isn't droping or raising out of the normal range, chances are it is just recognizing a change in voltage.

If you want, make sure the ground to the engine block is clean and tight. Also, you may want to have the alt tested. Most nationally recognized parts stores will do it for free, so there is no money out of pocket. The voltage regulator may be starting to go bad, but again, as long as you are in the safe range, I wouldn't be too concerned.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Thursday, June 4th, 2009 AT 10:21 PM

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