My car's radio began to crackle, then shut off when I put on my brakes. Then, my ABS warning light came on, then my dash lights shut off and my car died. I have replaced the alternator and battery within the past 2 years. What could be wrong? My dash lights have also always flickered.
2006-07-06 13:21:01 · 8 answers · asked by erica_kaufmann 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like the alternator was not charging and the voltage required to light the brake lights when you pushed the brakes completely drained the battery which the car was actually running off of. As far as the dash lights flickering, every Cougar I have ever seen flicker, there is a Technical Service Bulletin on this concern from Ford, concerning excessive electrical resistance in the battery voltage sensing circuit, but your local dealer would have that information to make the repair.
2006-07-06 14:24:14 · answer #1 · answered by yugie29 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Now I may be wrong, but, this sounds like it COULD be a Ground problem. Sometimes when you not have a good ground, power is Drawed through things with more/less Resistance. Example, The Radio try to pull Ground through the Dash lights, they act like a load resistor and Dim or Flicker. Check your Power Cables from your Battery and make sure your Connections are Tight and Clean, (Battery, Alternator etc.) this includes where the Positive goes/connects to the Starter. This all I know.
2006-07-06 13:28:00 · answer #2 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As yugi29 mentioned, have this modification done. It cures the problem. Many owners are finding that after replacing the alternator, there are still charging problems. The fix involves moving the 12v sense wire from the fuse box directly to the alternator. I had to do this on my brothers cougar after finding out there was nothing wrong with the alternator after 6 hours of labor and busted knuckles getting it out!
2006-07-09 21:54:52 · answer #3 · answered by JackofallMasterofnone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd think it's the battery or alternator again... if you replaced within past two years doesn't mean they won't break anymore. It's Ford, plus when you replace the alternator they don't put the new one, they install rebuilt one usually.
2006-07-06 13:27:38 · answer #4 · answered by mmd_774 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like wiring issues. And if so - that can be a hefty bill. I've heard the Cougar is notorious for having issues. It's a sexy looking car, but I avoided it because of it's bad rap.
2006-07-06 13:24:59 · answer #5 · answered by Tygirljojo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be that the alternator went again...there is a voltage regulator inside your alt. that could be the cause. Often replacement alt. are rebuilts, not new...these kinds of issues are fairly common
2006-07-06 13:26:13 · answer #6 · answered by bobsled 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it has to do with the elctrical system.....there is a short somewhere
2006-07-06 13:26:12 · answer #7 · answered by bonnyfide2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a Ford product...there's your problem.
2006-07-06 13:24:07 · answer #8 · answered by yo_momma_is_sweet 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋