Low voltage at idle (11.5 volts) okish in cruise (13.2 volts)

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wankel7

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Joined Nov 30, 2007

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Discussion starter · #1 · Jul 13, 2012 (Edited)

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I installed a Scangauge and it seemed to reveal a charging system problem.

After the car warms up I am basically using the battery at idle. With every thing electrical in the car running (Defrost, ac, brakes, low /fog beams, etc) I am showing 11.5.

While driving on the highway it holds about 13.2.

Alternator needs replacing?

2004 2.3L 5speed

 

TXFO

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Joined Jul 6, 2002

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#2 · Jul 13, 2012

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sounds like it. should be 13 or so at idle, loads on.

 

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wankel7

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Discussion starter · #3 · Jul 18, 2012

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Well, I threw money at it...replaced the Alternator and the belt with a reman Gold Alternator from Autozone and the belt too.

Same issues all loads on at idle with a warmed up car 12.5 Volts.
Increase the rpm to 1000 rpm and you see 13.5 volts.

Bench tested the old alternator and it tested OK twice. Autozone used their portable tester to test the new alternator in the car and it tested OK.


Not sure what to check next. ??

 

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wankel7

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Discussion starter · #4 · Jul 18, 2012

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Hummmm....

Pigtail repair kit for the 3 wires running to the alternator....

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104396&page=6