Alternator/Electrical Problem

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uxler

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Driving down the highway and my interior lights started to dim, then eventually shut off completely. Before dying the system check display read "check charging system." When reached my destination and turned the car off, I couldnt restart it. The next morning I used a multimeter to check the battery and with the engine off I got 11.50 V. Once I started the car I got 10.5 and the reading fell the longer it ran. Im assuming that the problem is the alternator. Do you think I could get by with replacing just the voltage regulator? Could it be something else, maybe the battery?
 
Alternator needs to be replaced. Only use Motorcraft or PA Performance alternator.
 
In an effort to save a little money I was hoping that maybe i could just replace the voltage regulator in my current alternator. Anyone had any luck with this?
 
uxler said:
...The next morning I used a multimeter to check the battery and with the engine off I got 11.50 V. Once I started the car I got 10.5 and the reading fell the longer it ran. Im assuming that the problem is the alternator. Do you think I could get by with replacing just the voltage regulator? Could it be something else, maybe the battery?
Click to expand...
Any battery I've had in my car has given off at least 12 volts when fully charged. If your alternator quit while you had the engine running, then the car was getting electrical power exclusively from the battery and was draining it. It would make sense for the voltage to drop gradually.

Car batteries take a hit on their ability to hold a charge when left discharged too long. You'll want to get it on a recharger ASAP.
uxler said:
In an effort to save a little money I was hoping that maybe i could just replace the voltage regulator in my current alternator. Anyone had any luck with this?
Click to expand...
My alternator stopped charging altogether intermittently, and then would work fine at other times.

I solved that problem by replacing the voltage regulator, but your electrical problem could be slightly different than mine.

If it's the diodes that failed in the alternator, then a new voltage regulator won't help you.

You could try swapping it and let us know if it worked.
 
Called the ford dealer and they told me that the voltage regulator isnt serviceable for my car (97 LSC) and that they dont sell it seperately. Only chain-type store that carries one is Kragen and its $100. Seems like it might not be work it since I could replace the entire alternator for $150. Anyone know of a place that sells the regulators cheaper than $100?
 
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