(This is the forums archive - If you want to get back to the main site simply
click the banner above and you will be taken to our homepage.)
Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums is the Ultimate Online Resource for Owners and Enthusiasts of American Luxury Cars. Feel free to browse through our archive - but make sure you make it
back to our main site - Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums
Okay here is the problem the charging system keeps coming on! I had the battery tested and the alternator tested both were okay, mechcanic said it is the igniton he thinks wich causing the draw he said he can replace for $800 but he is only 50/50 on if it will work or not does anybody have an Idea, he thinks that because the car also dies when idle wierd huh, I had the heads done, power steering, heater core, a/c, ball joints done, but it was under warranty, but the electrical isn't Please Help Me!!!
Posted by: NateRW21
Let me see if I understand... the mechanic said your ignition system is causing the charging system to fail?
What exactly did he say the problem is? Just saying ignition... well, that's not very specific. It's like saying... well... I have to fix your fuel system; okay great... is it a filter? Pump? Pick-up? Regulator? Line?... You get the point.
What exactly is your car doing? Give us some specific symptoms.
Posted by: Anthony_530
Well it dies, I can drive on the freeway and it will be fine but the rpm's have to be 3000 or 3500 to be fine but if below it says check charging system he wasn't a good mechanic it took a month to do my heads, he said that is a new alternator, I never checked it myself, I took it to him twice to look at 1st he said loose cable so he fixed ran good for 3 days then back on again took it to him again he had it for 3 days and he said a bad ground and he said alternator was fine he took in too have tested again ran good for 3 days then light back on now he says ignition, could it be that my alternator is getting dirty and not working? I do not have a splash guard under the car the mechanic threw it away because he said it was in really bad shape... Thanks
Posted by: NYC LS8
If you have to keep it above 3000rpm to keep the check charging system light off, it's your alternator.
Posted by: NateRW21
yup...
Posted by: Anthony_530
so I should take it off myself and take it in? does anyone have directions on how to disasemble?
Posted by: NYC LS8
You can have it tested at AutoZone for free. Removing it shouldn't be all that hard, just a few bolts. But then again, I haven't messed with the alt on these cars as of yet.
Posted by: Anthony_530
Yeah I will try wed. or something when everyone is open again I will keep you guys posted...Merry x-mas
Posted by: NateRW21
What year/engine do you have? I'll give you the factory instructions.
Posted by: Anthony_530
it is a 2000 ls 3.9 Thanks it would help alot
Posted by: NateRW21
Okay here ya go. alt. replacement first, supplimental instructions second.
Posted by: NateRW21
Posted by: NateRW21
Posted by: NateRW21
Posted by: NateRW21
I'd print that out if I were you... it'll be easier to read
Posted by: Anthony_530
do I need to do the air cleaner?
Posted by: NateRW21
to get to the belt tensioner... yes
Posted by: NateRW21
"Belt- 3.9L"
"Step 1."
Posted by: lseguy
F.Y.I.
The alternator removal is most likely very easy if you have access to a lift. Even with jackstands, lying on your back reaching up to get to those bolts and especially the plug for the wiring harness (tucked fairly high up in there) can be a pain. not impossible, but not real fun. I attempted to remove my alternator when the original went out, and could not get it to budge, even with all of the bolts removed. (In hindsight, I think I needed to use a flathead to slightly push back the round cylindrical housings that the bolts go through. Either way, even with NO bolts installed, I successfully drove it about 10 miles to the Ford dealer to have them finish the job).
When my poorly built rebuilt unit from Advance Auto gave out a year later, I simply took the car and replacement alternator to Pep Boys (and I NEVER go to them) to have them do a simple swap. Labor total was about $80. Ford dealer charger $249 total in labor. No diagnostics (I had already performed that), just pure labor . Ripoff.
If you are hesitant about doing it yourself, I suggest getting an OEM Motorcraft unit from one of the forum vendors, and having it installed at a local gas station or shop. again, it's an easy job with a lift. Probably will take them 30 minutes TOPS from start to finish.
Posted by: NateRW21
I pulled mine for something... don't remember what. I think I dropped something and it got stuck in a place where I couldn't get to it with my magnet, grabber or hand. Anyhow, mine came off pretty easy. The plug was a bit of a pain but as I recall it had enough play that I could pull the plug after I got the alternator loose and that made it a touch easier.
Posted by: Anthony_530
Okay I am having that problem I can not get the alternator off, I have all the bolts off the alternator moves up and down a little bit nothing else the belt is off Help!!!!
Posted by: Anthony_530
Please Some one help me!!!!
Posted by: darkhaven
did you try prying the bolt spacer incerts back a bit?
Posted by: Anthony_530
no where is that?
Posted by: darkhaven
someone might want to correct me if im wrong here but i think these have them its a metal bushing that the mounting bolts go through, they are usualy held in the mounting bracket pry them away the alt and it should give you some more movement, short of that if your sure you have all your bolts removed and your unplugged give it some love with a pry bar
Thanks it would help alot
