1998 Ford Escort Electrical Power Loss

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ZURISHADDAI
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a 98 Escort Lx w/ approximately 80000 miles. Over the last couple of months I have notice a dimming of some dash lights. It would be dim for a while and then get back to normal. I didn't think much of it then. In the last couple of days as I drove, all of my lights would dim and the seatbelt signal light and another signal light would flicker on and off rapidly and erraticly. Finally, today all of the dash lights faded , the spedometer went to zero, and radio died and everything that ran on electricity in the car faded out and lost nearly all power, but at the same time the engine was running fine. So I decided to head home as long as the engine was still running. On the way back home, the engine started to hesitate, which I assume is due to the same electrical problem. I just about made it home and the car completely died at a stopsign. No power at all.
A month back I had the car in the shop for other reasons, and they told me that the serpentine belt was showing some wear and should soon be replaced. I'm guessing that this is related to my problems. Or has my alternator gone bad?
Feb 13, 2006 at 5:10 PM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
sounds like the voltage regulator within the alternator
Feb 14, 2006 at 10:18 AM
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ZURISHADDAI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is there any way that I can test that part or do I need to just replace it?
Feb 15, 2006 at 3:41 PM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
any part store can offer the test or you can buy a tester that tests the battery and alternator output
Feb 15, 2006 at 10:03 PM

Suggested Repair

Have a parts store test the battery and alternator output, or use a battery/alternator tester. The symptoms point to a failing voltage regulator inside the alternator.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Ford Escort LX with about 80,000 miles developed dimming dash lights, flickering warning lights, a speedometer drop to zero, radio failure, and near-total electrical power loss while the engine still ran, followed by hesitation and a complete stall. The owner suspected a worn serpentine belt or a bad alternator. The expert said the voltage regulator inside the alternator is the likely cause and recommended testing battery and alternator output at a parts store or with a tester.

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