Idle issues

[josh6025]

I have a 2004 SVT and my engine has been running a bit rough since I got it, it currently has 205,000 KM on it. When the engine is idling the lights in the car as well as the headlights flicker but when I rev the engine it's fine so I'm not sure where the issue is; when I'm idling my RPM is around 750.

I'm also looking to replace the spark plugs as I'm not sure when they were changed last, what would be the best mid-range and top of the line plugs to get?

[Sponsor]

[qweesy]

1.)check and clean contacts or buy a new Maxi "engine management" fuse under the hood

2.) check all grounds and make sure battery cables are tight

3.) check pigtail on back of alternator there is an updated pigtail (the wires would come loose in the stock pigtail mine was the RED wire)

4.) could be the regulator/rectifier in your alternator going out if so the only fix is a new alternator you can get a HO alternator from DB electrical for $200

[josh6025]

Originally Posted by qweesy

1.)check and clean contacts or buy a new Maxi "engine management" fuse under the hood

I'll take a look at it in the morning before I head to work.

Originally Posted by qweesy

2.) check all grounds and make sure battery cables are tight

I've just changed the stock grounds for new 4AWG cable.

Originally Posted by qweesy

3.) check pigtail on back of alternator there is an updated pigtail (the wires would come loose in the stock pigtail mine was the RED wire)

Could you provide me a link for the upgraded pigtail?

Originally Posted by qweesy

4.) could be the regulator/rectifier in your alternator going out if so the only fix is a new alternator you can get a HO alternator from DB electrical for $200

Is there any way to test this without removing the alternator?

[qweesy]

Engine management fuse is number 9 under the hood its a 20 amp MAXI fuse (Big one) my contacts were all black when I checked it I cleaned it up enough so I could start then car then drove to parts house and bought a new one.

Did you have the problem before you changed the grounds? I would have just put the 4AWG on top of the existing grounds after cleaning the ends real good of course look over the work you have done again.

Heres the part number for the pigtail you can get it from Steve @ Tousley Ford 1-800-328-9552 hes gives us the hookup on parts or you can get it from your local ford dealer

Ford Part: 1U2Z-14S411-TA
Motorcraft Part: WPT-118


There is no way to bench test the alternator while it is on the car you will have to remove it and it is a bitch

[josh6025]

I had the issue before I changed the grounds and was hoping it help solve the issue when I changed them.

When I was having a look at my alternator the other day I noticed that their was some heat shrink on the wires so I think the pigtail may have been changed at some point.

[..:: sleestak ::..]

for spark plugs, the best option is also good price: get the motorctaft coppers. you will have to change them a little more frequently but the are cheap and easy to do.

[josh6025]

Originally Posted by ..:: sleestak ::..

for spark plugs, the best option is also good price: get the motorctaft coppers. you will have to change them a little more frequently but the are cheap and easy to do.

Thanks.