Need Help! Alternator light stays on and car will not idle?

10-21-2007

I have a 02 Focus ZX5 and my alternator light comes on while I'm driving and whenever I come to a stop the car will stall because it cant idle. I put in a new alternator and the light still comes on. The headlights and interior lights flicker. I can hear a clicking noise everytime the lights flicker too. What could be wrong? I was thinking IAC valve, but I don't want to waste money for just a guess on what's wrong.

EagleAutosports · 06-07-2008

That sounds like an electrical problem with the alternator. You should check the wiring harnesses and the wires themselves that go to the alternator and the regulator. You have fusable links that can fail.

ScottHalliday · 06-09-2008

I know this may sound basic but check to make sure your fan belt is not loose.

If you don't have a voltmeter to check to see if your alternator is putting out a charge, rev the engine enough to keep the car running smoothly and then have someone disconnect the battery by removing the battery cables. If the car shuts off as soon as the cable is disconnected then you definitively have a charging problem.

10-21-2007	#1 (permalink)
pNCskatedotcom Guest Posts: n/a	Need Help! Alternator light stays on and car will not idle? I have a 02 Focus ZX5 and my alternator light comes on while I'm driving and whenever I come to a stop the car will stall because it cant idle. I put in a new alternator and the light still comes on. The headlights and interior lights flicker. I can hear a clicking noise everytime the lights flicker too. What could be wrong? I was thinking IAC valve, but I don't want to waste money for just a guess on what's wrong.

06-09-2008	#3 (permalink)
ScottHalliday Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Norwalk Posts: 16	I know this may sound basic but check to make sure your fan belt is not loose. If you don't have a voltmeter to check to see if your alternator is putting out a charge, rev the engine enough to keep the car running smoothly and then have someone disconnect the battery by removing the battery cables. If the car shuts off as soon as the cable is disconnected then you definitively have a charging problem. __________________ 1989 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX Coupe 1991 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX Hatchback 1992 Ford Mustang 5.0 Limited Edition Convertible

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
I have an 1989 Chevrolet Caviler that dies on idle. The idle also seems to rev	Melissa	Chevrolet	1	06-12-2008 09:19 PM
A Mini Cooper is stopped at a traffic light.The Light turns green and the Mini	Romeo	Mini	1	10-18-2007 04:51 AM
I have an Intergra Honda 1996 , the floor stays wet any answers.?	Deannie	Acura	0	10-16-2007 08:21 PM

06-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
EagleAutosports Site Administrator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mebane, North Carolina, USA Posts: 229	That sounds like an electrical problem with the alternator. You should check the wiring harnesses and the wires themselves that go to the alternator and the regulator. You have fusable links that can fail.