Dipping dash lights

QUIETONE

MEMBER
2002 FORD TAURUS
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

My dash board lights dips while driving and there is a slight hesitation in the engine if my house lights are on it also dips. I have had the voltage on the alternator checked and is fine. I have also noticed that at times I have to turn my keys twice before the engine activates and must have my foot on the accelerator pedal before this. I can stand on the outside and start my engine in one turn. Can you advise what I am to check?

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you mean the lights dim at times, that may be a difficult one to identify if it is related to the alternator. Have you checked the basics? Are the battery terminals clean and tight and free of corrosion? Have you checked the main grounds from the battery to the body and engine block?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM

QUIETONE

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I have checked alternator and is charging perfect today. I checked battery and pole did not notice anything not working, so I will observe. Thanks again.

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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi:

It may even be a good idea to remove the battery terminals, clean both the posts and the terminals, and inspect the grounds.

As far as the alternator, based on your description, it sounds like the problem exists when you are driving. It could be a regulator going bad or something internal in the alternator that is intermittent. How was the alternator tested?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:10 PM

QUIETONE

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Was tested with a voltage tester and read well. I will further clean poles and examine ground.

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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 6:13 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Let me know what you find. Also, if you can get your hands on an OBD2 live data scanner and check voltage while driving when the lights dim, it may help. It's just a thought.

Take care,
Joe