Already a Maintenance Problem!

**loner1** · 06-30-2009, 12:13 AM

Well, I finally have my van. For those of you that don't know, I just purchased a 2004 Ford E-350 Super Duty with a Diesel Powerstroke engine. The van runs great and looks fabulous, but I think I might have a problem (hopefully minor). I intend to take it in to be checked tomorrow, but I want to know if any of you have any ideas as to what it might be.

Here is what it is doing. When the lights are on, dome, headlights, dashlights, etc.... they continually dim and brighten in sync with the engine rotations. Previous owner just put in brand new batteries last week and they tested the alternator at that time, advising it was fine. Any ideas what might be the problem? Does this sound like alternator starting to go bad or is it something else that might be worse.

I must say I'm scared. I don't want to start with maintenance problems, but hey, that's what the reserve money was for - I just don't WANT to use it - LOL.

Thanks in advance for all of your expert opinions.

**aileron** · 06-30-2009, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by loner1

Well, I finally have my van. For those of you that don't know, I just purchased a 2004 Ford E-350 Super Duty with a Diesel Powerstroke engine. The van runs great and looks fabulous, but I think I might have a problem (hopefully minor). I intend to take it in to be checked tomorrow, but I want to know if any of you have any ideas as to what it might be.

Here is what it is doing. When the lights are on, dome, headlights, dashlights, etc.... they continually dim and brighten in sync with the engine rotations. Previous owner just put in brand new batteries last week and they tested the alternator at that time, advising it was fine. Any ideas what might be the problem? Does this sound like alternator starting to go bad or is it something else that might be worse.

I must say I'm scared. I don't want to start with maintenance problems, but hey, that's what the reserve money was for - I just don't WANT to use it - LOL.

Thanks in advance for all of your expert opinions.

Turn the lights on when the engine is running, then leave the lights on and shut down the engine. Does the dimming and brightening stops? If so, the probable cause is the alternator. I had the same thing happen in a ford taurus.

Take it yourself to an autozone or something like that and let them test the alternator.

Let us know what you find out.

**miker** · 06-30-2009, 08:23 AM

it used to be in cars a long long time ago that would indicate a voltage regulator, but now days all alternators have internal vr
I have had happen on more than 1 occasion , have the alternator tested and it shows fine, but it is slowly going bad, but is not showing in a test, I would replace it if it were me.

**Poorboy** · 06-30-2009, 09:02 AM

Could also be a Bad Ground Strap from the Motor to the Frame! This Happened to me in my Conversion Van. Kinda hard to Track down though, But I Finally Said Heck with it and Put another Ground Strap from the Motor to a Different Place on the Frame and it Cleared Right Up! I Hope it's Only the Ground as I Wouldn't want to have to replace the Alternator if I didn't Have to, That's too Expensive! Good Luck in Finding Out!

**loner1** · 07-02-2009, 10:21 PM

FIXED!!!! It was the alternator. Well, actually, it was the voltage regulator INSIDE the alternator.

I guess this should have been somewhat expected. The old alternator had 230,000 miles on it. However, all is fixed and ready to roll.

Thanks for all the input.