ST200 - Flickering Lights?

[Ben_ST200]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum as I have just an ST200. Have I made a mistake? Well it all depends on the answer to my problem I am having. It's birth was Sept 1999 if that helps.

When driving with my lights on they appear to dim and brighten, in a sort of surge like way. I think it may be linked to my alternater, however the battery light doesn't appear. I wouldn't be bothered if it wasn't noticable, but it is! You could think I was flashing you out, which could be a real problem if i'm not careful! I havne't really noticed anything else other than it sometimes (less than often) jerks, but doesn't feel like a missing fire. Don't take a full on mechano dude, I have general knowledge to get me by, but thats about it.

So, can anyone help me with my problem, and possibly provide a nice cost effective fix?

Everyone knows you always go to look at a car during the day and not the night! Well, when it comes to this car I should of done both.

Thanks reading, hope somone can help/advise and if your really feeling generous fix! lol

Thanks again,

[stef123]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum as I have just an ST200. Have I made a mistake? Well it all depends on the answer to my problem I am having. It's birth was Sept 1999 if that helps.

When driving with my lights on they appear to dim and brighten, in a sort of surge like way. I think it may be linked to my alternater, however the battery light doesn't appear. I wouldn't be bothered if it wasn't noticable, but it is! You could think I was flashing you out, which could be a real problem if i'm not careful! I havne't really noticed anything else other than it sometimes (less than often) jerks, but doesn't feel like a missing fire. Don't take a full on mechano dude, I have general knowledge to get me by, but thats about it.

So, can anyone help me with my problem, and possibly provide a nice cost effective fix?

Everyone knows you always go to look at a car during the day and not the night! Well, when it comes to this car I should of done both.

Thanks reading, hope somone can help/advise and if your really feeling generous fix! lol

Thanks again,

might be worth getting the battery and alternator load tested?

[mintalkin]

it could be the voltage regulator playing up or a worn alternator. you could also clean and check your battery terminals and all the earth points, a bad earth would also give you the headlight symptoms.

[scottiemorris]

alternator could be overcharging or undercharging, anyone with a multi or volt meter can quickly check this and should not charge you as it takes seconds, if it is it can cause all sorts of problems you would think were in no way related, like hesitation or missfire or even warning lights coming on for things that are fine, but most cars do dim lights slightly at idle, and then brighten slighlty when you rev it, and also check the battery earth and light connections

[Ben_ST200]

alternator could be overcharging or undercharging, anyone with a multi or volt meter can quickly check this and should not charge you as it takes seconds, if it is it can cause all sorts of problems you would think were in no way related, like hesitation or missfire or even warning lights coming on for things that are fine, but most cars do dim lights slightly at idle, and then brighten slighlty when you rev it, and also check the battery earth and light connections

Thanks Scottie,

I'll have it looked into. From your desciption it is likely that is what it may be. On idle the lights are fine no activity and doesn't go on like a disco! but when reved up or driving it goes starts flashing away. Does this mean a new alternator if its over charging and under charging?

Cheers,

[jasonst170]

Thanks Scottie,

I'll have it looked into. From your desciption it is likely that is what it may be. On idle the lights are fine no activity and doesn't go on like a disco! but when reved up or driving it goes starts flashing away. Does this mean a new alternator if its over charging and under charging?

Cheers,

hi im pretty new to. has it got xeon headlamps ?

[Ben_ST200]

hi im pretty new to. has it got xeon headlamps ?

No they don't. I have had the alternator tested and the results were all ok. Start capacity was 98% voltage 12.61, regulator voltage 14.77

Haven't checked the connections yet, so it might not be earthing out properly.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Thanks to everyone who has helped with there advice so far.

[mintalkin]

i have been digging deaper into your problem and have found a ford tsb as follows which could be your problem.

ST200

TSB 053/2001

Summary

Should a customer express concern about flickering headlamps, wavering illumination of the instrument cluster, interior lighting and audio unit the probable cause is an extremely high resistance in the battery wiring harness from the central junction box (under the bonnet) to the B+ terminal on the alternator. To rectify the concern an additional cable should be installed.

Part number for this cable - 1133503

[Ben_ST200]

i have been digging deaper into your problem and have found a ford tsb as follows which could be your problem.

ST200

TSB 053/2001

Summary

Should a customer express concern about flickering headlamps, wavering illumination of the instrument cluster, interior lighting and audio unit the probable cause is an extremely high resistance in the battery wiring harness from the central junction box (under the bonnet) to the B+ terminal on the alternator. To rectify the concern an additional cable should be installed.

Part number for this cable - 1133503

This is brilliant. You have described my problem right down. However I have called two ford dealers and gave them this part number and they inform me this doesn't exist. I have also checked the TSB number and they have no record of it. Is there anywhere else I might be able to get this cable?

[mintalkin]

try the tsb number with them again, aparently the fault can also occure on the couger. try these guys http://www.fordpartsuk.com/

[Ben_ST200]

try the tsb number with them again, aparently the fault can also occure on the couger. try these guys http://www.fordpartsuk.com/

2nd time lucky. The TSB number is apparently an old number, dating back to 2001. It only applies to the Cougar like you said, but I assume they share the same guts? I find it suprising the ST200 didn't pop up! Cost of repair (not including part) is 60.48 +VAT

I just need the part now! I'm tempting to let Ford loose with it and just get it done, or take it to a different garage. Apart from the obvious of flickering lights. Is there any damage this may cause if left?

Also, just want to say thanks for your help. I would of lost without your skills and wisdom!

Cheers,

[stef123]

if its just as simple as fitting another cable between the battery and alternator, any auto electriciant should be able to do that for a good price, less than ford anyway!