Voltage Regulator? or is it something else?

Question

I have a 1996 Mustang GT and I had a new battery and battery cables put into it. I never had a problem until then.

My car starts fine but after about 10-15 minutes my battery drains and is dead. If I let it sit for a while it recharges and the car will start and drive again for about 10-15 minutes.

The alternator has been checked and is great, and the battery is new. Any thoughts? Ground problems? Voltage regulator? Let me know what you think!

FYI: I had the battery and cables replaced from normal wear and tear, and the battery was old. Again, the battery is new, the posts are new and the cables are new. The voltage readings are normal for the battery and the Alternator. thanks.

Answer 1

only 3 things: the voltage regulator, the alternator, or the belt tension are possibilites.

Answer 2

Something had to have happened to the voltage to the battery from the alternator when the work was done Battery to engine block ground left loose. Or the cable is not bolted exactly like the one taken off. Did you use aftermarket battery wires? If so I would suggest looking at another 96 GT Mustang to make sure your wiring does exactly what FORD wiring does and where it is connected. Testing the alternator off of the car might not show potential car wiring problems and the voltage regulator is built in the black square thing held on with four torx screws back of the alternator.

Answer 3

The voltage regulator is a part of the alternator, so if the alternator checks out fine, then the regulator is fine as well. I don't think you have a problem with your charging or starting system. You might want to check the ignition coil pack and Power train Control Module on your Mustang. As a side note, you can replace the brushes and regulator on the alternator as preventive maintenance. The alternators on these cars are quite reliable and rebuild able to an extent.

Answer 4

Was the charging system checked with an "amp meter"?
If you check at the battery with a volt meter while the car is running, the battery might seem to charge.
An amp meter is hooked up between the positive cable and positive battery terminal.
The alternator could be putting out 12+ volts, but if the amperage is to low, the current won't be strong enough to recharge the battery at a timely rate.

Answer 5

Starter keeps going after liberating the main. examine your starter relay. make useful the starter stops whilst the engine starts up!! It drains the battery quicker than the alternator can cost it. further: there is not any way a clean battery can bypass ineffective in 10 to fifteen minutes merely working a motor vehicle. even with the lighting fixtures furniture, heater, wipers, stereo, defroster, AC, each little thing on!!! Your starter attracts around 340 amps below load. Your inventory alternator generates 40-60 amps. If it rather is working precise. next time experience the starter motor and spot if it rather is warm? Is it o.ok. tochronic my motor vehicle with my battery disconnected? some thing is incorrect with the ability from my alternator to my battery. My alternator and battery attempt o.ok./the battery is new. My motor vehicle broke down in the boonies and it is going to cost approximately $250 to get it towed to the keep because of the fact it rather is out of my motor vehicle golf equipment towing area. once I initiate my motor vehicle the voltage is 8 and then in approximately 10 minutes of utilising the battery is drained. If I enable it take a seat for approximately half-hour, it recharges and starts lower back and drives for 10 minutes till all of my lighting fixtures furniture and power bypass out. If I initiate my motor vehicle and disconnect the useful cable on my battery, my motor vehicle runs usually and all the ability gauges and voltages are wide-spread. could it harm my motor vehicle or be risky tochronic it the 20 miles to the keep?

Answer 6

check to see if all of your cables are hooked and hooked up right!
if all is good there,move on to checking if you have a big drw somewhere?
its not the voltage reg,because that car has the voltage reg built in to the alternator so if u had it checked then they would have detected that...also check,you have a fuse in ur engine bay that is for your alt. check that!
hope i could point you the right way!