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Author
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Topic: dimming lights
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fly75
Gearhead Posts: 140
From: eastpointe,mi,usa
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-14-2001 10:05 AM
   
my lights on my 68 gt/cs keep slightly dimming when they are on,could this be a bad ground or does anyone think i might need a one-wire alternator?------------------
68 california special
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Dave Gibson
Moderator Posts: 5246
From: Pensacola, Florida, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 01-14-2001 12:16 PM
Fly,
Does this dimming occur when you let off the gas or does that happen all by itself?? Just curious. We had the same problem with the '65 and replaced the alternator. No more dimming problem. A little more back round on your problem would help, please. Dave & Terri ------------------
66 Bench Coupe (Anna Belle)
65 "A" Code w/4 Speed (Poni)
66 "C" Code Coupe (Sally)
MCA#47921
M&M #166
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fly75
Gearhead Posts: 140
From: eastpointe,mi,usa
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-14-2001 09:04 PM
when the lights are on and youre in idle mood they flicker but it seems like when you drive they seem not to flicker,i had the alt.checked out before and they said it was a good one------------------
68 california special
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Dave Gibson
Moderator Posts: 5246
From: Pensacola, Florida, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 01-14-2001 10:24 PM
Fly,
You may want to also have your voltage regulator checked.Dave & Terri ------------------
66 Bench Coupe (Anna Belle)
65 "A" Code w/4 Speed (Poni)
66 "C" Code Coupe (Sally)
MCA#47921
M&M #166
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sigtauenus
Gearhead Posts: 1413
From: Beaufort, SC
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 01-15-2001 01:13 PM
I think it may depend on what amp rated alternator you have. If you have a stock no-option alt, which is like 38 amps or something, at idle its only putting out like 15 amps, maybe less, and only pulls that 38 amps up at higher rpm, or once you start moving. When you have the alternator tested, it works fine, but its just not putting out enough output for your car at idle. If you upgrade to a alternator that puts out more amps, it'll solve that flickering at idle, but its really not necessary unless it bothers you. My opinion only.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3206
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-15-2001 04:00 PM
My ol' mellowyellos 68 cvt had a flickering problem when I first got it on the road. A new regulator solved the problem
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fly75
Gearhead Posts: 140
From: eastpointe,mi,usa
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-15-2001 10:21 PM
hey thanks everyone,i will try getting a new voltage reg. my alt.is putting out 70 amps they tell me so i think i am ok there. i hope to put in the new one in this weekend so i will keep you informed, thanks again!------------------
68 california special
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67Stangboy
Journeyman Posts: 67
From: Lafayette, Indiana
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-20-2001 08:57 AM
What if you alternator isnt putting out anything?? I had it checked and they said nothing was happening. They suggested checking the "exciter wire". The battery died on me yesterday so I got a new one and it has started up fine every time. The only problem is the lights are really yellow, but they were that way before I put the new battery in. I didnt have any problem before I put it up in September for the winter. Just got it out yesterday because I really missed driving it and the roads were clean. Could it be my voltage regulator?? Thanks for all the help.------------------
Kit
67 Coupe
I-6, 3sp
289 on the way
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Dave Gibson
Moderator Posts: 5246
From: Pensacola, Florida, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 01-20-2001 09:21 AM
Kit,
I'm not sure what the "exciter wire" is that you are refering to. I would start by having your alternator re-checked now that you have a new battery. I would also check all the connections and make sure the terminals are clean so that the wires are making good connections. Start with the simple things and work your way up. If nothings turns up from there, then I would look towards replacing the Voltage Regulator and the Alternator. A general rule of thumb that I use is, to replace both the voltage regulator and alternator at the same time. It's always worked for me. Hope this helps, Kit.Dave & Terri ------------------
66 Bench Coupe (Anna Belle)
65 "A" Code w/4 Speed (Poni)
66 "C" Code Coupe (Sally)
MCA#47921
M&M #166
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67Stangboy
Journeyman Posts: 67
From: Lafayette, Indiana
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-20-2001 10:57 AM
I did have my alternator checked after I installed the new battery. The guy said the "exciter wire" goes from the ignition to the alternator. He said it has to have something "excite" it before it will charge the battery. I have never heard of an exciter wire before either. I ll check all my connections and clean them up. Is there a possiblity that it could be the ignition switch or something to do with that?? Thanks again for the help guys and gals.------------------
Kit
67 Coupe
I-6, 3sp
289 on the way
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kid vishus
Gearhead Posts: 1802
From: between the end of the road, and the middleof no-where
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-20-2001 11:06 AM
The headlights should be grounded to the frame somewhere. If that ground is bad, the lights will be really yellow. I know, I chased the same problem on my 80 bronco.. ..I found where the lights grounded on the inner fender panels, took them apart, cleaned them up, and PRESTO, bright headlights again. I had done the whole, battery, voltage regulater,alternater thing too before that, I even went so far as to buy new headlights. Trace the wires from the headlights and check the grounds, you might be surprised. Plus, it's easy.  [This message has been edited by kid vishus (edited 01-20-2001).]
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66351stang
Gearhead Posts: 622
From: sayville,newyork
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 01-20-2001 07:18 PM
jump the regulator to full field and if the alt. is good should go to 16+,or dissconnect the battery when the car is running if alt. is good car will stay running if not car will stall.------------------
ponycar66,have you flown in a ford latley???????
66-COUPE W/351SVO
glad i had a v-8 !!!!!!
84.5 gt350-61 falcon 302
have a great day!!!!!!!!
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 3423
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 01-20-2001 09:38 PM
"it has to have something "excite" it before it will charge " Yeah don't we all
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67Stangboy
Journeyman Posts: 67
From: Lafayette, Indiana
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-22-2001 05:21 PM
Does anyone have a picture of what the wiring on the back of the alternator looks like? I installed a new one and hooked it up just like the old one was and it still isnt charging. There are four studs on the alternator(ground, battery, FLO, and STA), yet I only have 3 wires to hookup. The wiring schematic I have doesnt make sense. Thanks for any help.
------------------
Kit
67 Coupe
I-6, 3sp
289 on the way
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