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vwchest
New User
Nov 18, 2009, 3:55 PM
Post #1 of 4
(3867 views)
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Loss of electrical power
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Year of vehicle: 1994
Make of vehicle (Ford/ Chevrolet): Ford
Model of vehicle ( Taurus/ Cavalier): Taurus LX Sedan
Engine size (2.0/ 5.7): 3.8L V6 EFI
Mileage/Kilometer: 206000 miles
Automatic Transmission
Problem's History:
A few months ago I would notice that right after starting the car (especially when block was cold) the electrical power would burp off almost imperceptibly. Only clue was that the dashboard clock would reset to 12:00.
This progressed in time to a quick two second total power loss with return to power. Lights, dashboard, heater blower (whatever was on) goes out and comes back, as well as the engine stalling out and comes back. Typically this happened from a cold start (cold block) and only one time per start and go.
Then one morning when leaving work at the end of a night shift, I had driven approx. 7 miles and the headlights dimmed and the engine loses power but doesn't die. I turned off the headlights and continued to drive (with very low voltage I presume). If I even tapped the brakes (brake lights on) then the engine would nearly die. This self-corrected later in the drive (25 miles total); I pulled into my driveway and loaded the electrical system down (headlights, hazard lights, heater blower, wipers) and shifted between reverse and drive with brake held. There was no dimming, outage, or engine dying during this test. None-the-less I took the car out of service and have been troubleshooting and working on the problem.
What I've Done To Date:
1) I've reduced as many sources of increased resistance as possible
a) Cleaned the battery terminal posts and cable ends to these posts and put on anti-corrosion felt rings.
b) Had battery tested and fully charged.
c) Inspected battery cables for insulation loss (passed). Removed ground from engine block, cleaned up all contact points and put back in place. Did the same for the hot cables.
d) Replaced the distributor cap, rotor button, spark plug wires, and spark plugs with new.
2) I have not had the alternator or voltage regulator checked. Problem was intermittent and this alternator was installed new about 10 months ago. However I concede that an alternator test is standard issue for these symptoms.
3) Inspected the fuse panels for blown fuses or any signs of damage (passed).
Changes after first fixes:
[I have a digital multimeter rigged up to the cigarette lighter for these tests - 12volt DC range]
On the first day I cranked the car and let it idle in park. I monitored the voltage in simple idling, plus idling with electrical system loaded down, plus shifting in place. Then I road tested in various combinations after the engine was hot. Starting off uphill, flat, downhill, loaded and unloaded. The multimeter never showed a voltage below 13.8 during the entire time (ave ~14.6) and by default the power never dipped.
On the second day I cranked the car and started road tests right away (from cold block). The voltage before cranking was 12.1. After cranking and pulling out I noticed the voltage remained at ~12.1 for ~60 secs but power was adequate. After this the voltage went up to ave ~14.5 and remained there during driving. After about 5 miles driving with engine temperature normal I pulled over, parked and idled. Once again the voltage dropped to ~12.1 but self-corrected to ~14.5 after ~60 secs, there was no engine stall or power outage however.
Speculation:
1) Is this an alternator/voltage regulator problem? Even if intermittent.
2) Is an idling sensor involved? Cars average idling is 800 RPM and it does occasionally drag down to ~500 for a short span, seemingly without reason.
3) Is there another control mechanism (sensor) involved in power distribution, load detection, etc?
4) There is no check engine light or other warning showing at any time.
Thanks in advance,
Wayne Chestnut
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 18, 2009, 5:45 PM
Post #2 of 4
(3861 views)
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Re: Loss of electrical power
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Seems like you have covered almost everything. Try disconnecting the CCRM and cleaning the connection and put some di-electric grease in the connection. Had one years ago that was really close to your symptoms. Finally had to replace the CCRM.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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vwchest
New User
Nov 19, 2009, 12:42 PM
Post #3 of 4
(3851 views)
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Re: Loss of electrical power
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Thanks. The CCRM (Constant Control Relay Module) isn't listed as such at Autozone.
The closest match was "Control Module - Ignition", are they one in the same? If so where would it be located on my vehicle?
http://www.autozone.com/...p;brandName=Duralast
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 19, 2009, 1:05 PM
Post #4 of 4
(3846 views)
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Re: Loss of electrical power
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That's because AutoZone doesn't sell them. You need to either go the dealer or a supplier of Motorcraft parts.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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