Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting >>>Anyone have Alternator Problems???

I just installed a 500w amp w/ an amp kit (because i kept the factory unit) and a few days after i had a problem, whenever i hit high revs (3000-4000) there is a power surge (dash goes brighter, lights brighten etc.) and the battery light goes on. I took it back to the people who installed the stereo, and they proved to me that it wasn't caused by the amp or amp kit... i have yet to take it to ford. We believe there is a problem with the regulator which is inside the alternator... Has anyone had any problems like this???

I just had a new alt installed, but instead of brightening the lights would dim and sometimes flicker when it hit 3000 rpm. the people at the desk say that it is common for the alternators to go in our cars.

I figured mine was going out(per my topic) because of a dimming/idling problem. Had Autozone check it out and it passed with flying colors. They said such drains on the system were normal. I don't believe them about the dimming, but it's output was o.k.

Just curious...How did they "prove to you that the Amp/Amp Kit wasn't at fault?

From experience, I would be weary about taking this kind of problem to a ford dealer. And if you do, leave out the part about the recent stereo install.

Does it happen with the radio off, or on low?
Try pulling the main fuse for the amp(should be in the engine compartment 18 inches from the battery) and running the car to see if it still happens.

What kind of amp is it(brand/Model/output?), and what Gauge wire did they use in the install?

The people who installed the woofer, popped the hood and removed the fuse, and yet the car continued to have power surges in high revs.

I'm pretty annoyed that I'm having problems with the car, it's only done 15k miles, and i (stupidly) passed on the offer for the extended warranty when I bought it.

It still happens with the radio on/off, that doesn't seem to make much difference. However, if I'm just starting the car after a long time shut off, it seems that it's ok until I hit about 4 and half thousand revs.

To be honest with you, the brands are all unknowns, I went for cost mostly. I do not, however, believe that this is the cause of the problem. Fords seem to be notorius for electrical problems, I'm just upset because mine was pretty much brand new when I bought it (13k miles)