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Hey guys. I believe my 93 Mark VIII has a bad alternator. It had a brand new battery installed about 2-3 months ago. A few days ago the battery light on the dash was on everytime the car would run, and would not turn off (the light). I hooked up a battery charger to it, in which didn't do anything for it, but sit there and charge. So, yesterday, drove the car for about 30min to work, and right as i got to work, the heater panel went out, then came back on read all 8's across it, the lights dimmed, the wipers slowed way down and then the car just turned off right as i got to work. Since that light had been on for a few days, i did notice a slowdown in the wipers and noticed that the air ride took a little longer than usual, and sounded a little weaker than usual as well. So, as of right now, the car is stuck at work in the snow until I can figure out what to do. I need to get a good deal on an alternator if that is indeed what it is. Any ideas or assistance from all of my LvC friends?
Get it started and put a meter on the battery terminals. Rev the engine to about 1000 RPM and the readings should be between 12.8 and 14.6 volts. If not, it is most likely the Alternator. I went through 3 aftermarket alternators before I finally found one that lasted more than 2 weeks. I have no high draw components on my car and do not know why the quality of rebuilt alternators has become so bad as of late. The next one to go on the car is being custom built by a local alternator shop for high output. And in the long run you are better off to get the best battery that you can afford. I opted for the Optima Yellow Top. No issues since.
Posted by: 98LSC32V
I don't trust aftermarket alternators, go with motorcraft rebuilt...
Posted by: driller
FYI - the Pa-Performance alternators are new, NOT remanufactured. If you're staying stock, check a FLM dealer on the Cobra alternators.
Posted by: Moes8
i recommend pa performance alternators 100%
probably the best i have ever dealt with.
ps.i live 7minutes from them.lol
mike
Posted by: MarkVIII93
Same exact thing happened to me! I got a new alternator though. The reason mine took a poop is because i was using a very crappy battery and it was overloading the alternator.
