Vehicle - No Start/Ammeter Or Warning Lamp Erratic
88ford03
^ GAUGE - AMMETER OR WARNING LIGHT ERRATIC - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 70-100AMP LARGE FRAME ALTERNATORS BUILT FROM 04/01/87 TO 08/27/87
^ NO START - LOW STATE OF BATTERY CHARGE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 70-100 AMP LARGE FRAME ALTERNATORS BUILT FROM 04/01/87 TO 08/27/87
Article No.88-3-8
FORD: 1987 CROWN VICTORIA
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987 GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, CONTINENTAL, LINCOLN TOWN CAR
LIGHT TRUCK: 1987 ECONOLINE
ISSUE: A no-start condition due to a low state of battery charge, or an ammeter or warning light that operates erratically may be caused by a loose connection at the alternator. The connector for the alternator on the 14305 wire harness may have an incorrect terminal gap on the inside. This results in a loose fit to the blade terminals on the alternator.
ACTION: To correct this, check the alternator connector terminals to determine if the 14305 wire harness needs to be replaced. Refer to the following service procedure and the 14305 wire harness application chart on page 19 of this TSB for the correct service parts.
1. Remove alternator connector from the field and stator.
2. Use a small screwdriver to depress each terminal tang and remove terminals from alternator connector. Mark wires to make sure they are reinstalled in the alternator connector in their original position.
3. Check terminals for evidence of arcing. If terminals are discolored, install a new 14305 wire harness and clean the blade terminals on alternator. If terminals appear okay, go to Step 4.
4. Install both terminals from connector onto the blade terminals on the alternator. When detent on 14305 wire harness terminal is engaged on alternator blade terminal, there should be no play in terminals. If terminals fit tight, reinstall them into alternator connector and perform normal diagnostic procedures. If there is a loose fit between terminals, go to Step 5.
5. Use a hand crimp device to gently crimp both sides of the alternator connector terminal to close the gap. Reinstall terminals onto the alternator blade terminals to be sure they are fastened securely. If terminals are loose, use the crimping device to close gap further. Repeat this step until the terminals fit securely.
6. Install terminals back into alternator connector and plug it back onto alternator field and stator.
7. Check charging system for proper operation.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E8UZ-14305-A Harness C
E8UZ-14305-B Harness C
E6LY-14305-A Harness C
E7AZ-14305-C Harness C
E7AZ-14305-D Harness C
E8VY-14305-C Harness C
383255-S Nut - Package of 15 S
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty and Major Component Coverage
OPERATION: 880308A - Inspect and repair terminals
TIME: 0.5 Hr. - Econoline 0.3 Hr. - All others
OPERATION: 880308B - Inspect terminals and replace harness
TIME: 0.6 Hr. - Econoline 0.4 Hr. - All others DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 14305 - Code: 44
NOTE: Do not install 14305 wire harness assemblies that have date codes P260H-7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, or 7H.
* When installing the 1988 14305 wire harness on 1987 Econolines with gasoline engines, attach the harness retainer to the alternator ground stud with nut (383255-S). The harness retainer's eyelet is molded in rubber.