Battery - Low State of Charge

Article No. 85-11-4


CHARGING SYSTEM - LOW STATE OF BATTERY CHARGE CONCERN WITH PROPERLY OPERATING CHARGING SYSTEM


FORD 1985 TEMPO

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1985 TOPAZ

1985 Tempo/Topaz vehicles equipped with 2.3L HSC engines, without air conditioning (but primarily those equipped with a rear window defroster) have been subject to complaints involving batteries in a low state of charge. The vehicles are equipped with 40 amp alternators.

Preliminary information indicates this condition occurs after prolonged periods of city type driving (stop and go), in cold ambients, and under high vehicle electrical load conditions. Continued operation under these conditions results in low battery voltage and activation of the charging system warning lamp. After diagnosis of the electrical power supply system, dealership service technicians find no alternator malfunction or system "key-off" current drain. This results in customer complaints, service charges, and possible repeat service actions. If this condition is encountered, replace the existing 40 amp alternator with a 65 amp alternator.


PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

E53Z-10346-A Alternator (65 amp) C


OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.

OPERATION: SP10316A
TIME: 0.3 Hr. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 10346 - Code: 11