1996 windstar GL Alt. light stays on ?

[kc5rty]

Hi All..

This is my first time here, but i'll give this a shot.
I have a 1996 Winstar GL that has really given my good service even though it took a good amount of abuse. It currently has 82k miles and still runs well, but the problem i seem to have now is that the Alternator light won't go out, though sometimes it flickers a bit. The output varies between 14.1 and 14.4 volts and the battery seems to stay charged. In other words, if the light wasn't there, I wouldn't see any problem.
Is it possible that what ever monitors the altenator has a problem? Does anyone have any ideas of things to check? Rather than change the alternator at this time, I think I'll just add a voltage gage so I can monitor voltage and ignore the IDIOT light for the time being.

Thanks
Vince

Sic Vis Pacem Para Bellum

[12Ounce]

Your '96 Windstar may be similar to a '97 Tracer that I've done some work on. If so, the indicator lamp is driven by the internal voltage regulator "IC" board. And it may be telling you that the voltage is lower than it should be.

Voltage meters vary, but I like to see 15.1 volts or so on my battery posts while engine is running. I use a analog Simpson wannabe. You might try comparing your Winnie readings with readings on another car.

If you have a AutoZone in your area, they can do a pretty fair bench test on an alternator. They may be able to do a good test "underhood" -- I've never tried them on this.

[12Ounce]

Being a "newbie", I don't know yet how to edit a post.

But what I posted above is incorrect. It's 14.1 volts (not 15.1 volts)that I feel comfortable with. It looks as though your regulator is giving you too high a voltage -- which will also turn on the indicator lamp -- and may be a little too much for the battery.

I stand by the suggestions -- comparing to a "good" other auto -- and checking with AutoZone.

Also you might check to make sure there is no corrosion on the bases of the main 100 amp fuse, and the fuse that feeds the meter. There's a very small chance that this could be a problem. (I'm assuming similarity to the Tracer circuit.)

P.S.: How do we get access to our own postings for editing? Is there an allowed time-out period?

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

..P.S.: How do we get access to our own postings for editing? Is there an allowed time-out period?

First off- WELCOME! Secondly, to edit your post: log in, enter the thread you want to change, click the "edit/delete" option towards the lower right corner of the post you want to change, your post will appear in a grey "edit" box which will allow yout to change it as you wish, hit "save changes", you are done!
G/luck
Joel

[irish30]

On the alternator there is two wiring connectors plugged into the alternator. Find the smallest of the two. This one will have one wire coming out of it. With the van running have an assistant wiggle the connector around while you watch the light. I t will most likely flicker or go out. If so disconncet the connector and clean and close the connector so it wiil fit tightly on the alternator. This is your signal wire from the alt. , if it has a bad connection the alt. light will illuminate.