Just gonna give cliff notes, if more details are needed then please do ask:
Vehicle:
1998 Contour SVT
*Overhauled engine to replace transmission
*New(used) transmission installed
*Engine Put back in
*Steering line kinked, worked out the kink as good as possible, works fine
*Took car to PepBoys to get transmission fluid changed
*Took car to Buds Mufflers to get exhaust leak fixed
*Drove to work, on the way to work battery light begins to flicker
*After work began to leave and the battery light began to flicker again, then speedo went out.
*Speedo came back on.
*Took off tire and checked if any wires loose on alternator (none)
*Battery light turned off
*Began to drive home, 2 inches into moving the battery light comes back on
*Put in a volt meter through Cig Lighter noticed that under heavy load or WOT charging voltage/ battery voltage dropped to aprox. 12.2 volts and when let off gas the voltage jumps to aprox. 14.2 volts. When idleing voltage stays at 14 then drops to 12.2 after about 20-30 seconds.
*Got home and idle was bad, pulled off vaccuum hose to EGR valve and idle did not change, pulled vacuum hose off intake pipe and idle did not change.
*Headlights stayed bright, Brights stayed bright (dimmed only slighty when under heavy load or WOT), Gages stayed lit, acceleration was fine.
So now the questions. Could a vaccuum leak cause the car to idle bad enough to where the alternator will not stay at charging voltage?? Is it a wire problem (don't think so though). Do I need a new alternator (would prefer not to change that unless totally nessesary)Any suggestions would be greaty appreciated!
One more question, what would cause my IAT to send a CEL reading "IAT High Input"?
