1990 Mercury Topaz AMP Light Blinking

1990 MERCURY TOPAZ
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GWBROWN
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1990 Mercury Topaz, with a 2.3 L engine. Recently, my "AMP" dash light has been blinking on and off, as if it is being triggered by a relay short, or something like it. I have investigated the alternator, and the voltage regulator (which is built into the alternator), but am not sure of what I am looking at. This seems to happen most when all the accessories such as A/C and head lights are off. ANY help from ANYONE would greatly be appreciated.
Thank You!
Mar 29, 2006 at 10:19 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
You can have the alt tested very inexpensively. Some shops and auto parts stores will even test it for free in hopes you purchase their services.

Post back with questions/results. :)
Mar 29, 2006 at 11:14 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
[quote:6686e0959c="gwbrown"]I have a 1990 Mercury Topaz, with a 2.3 L engine. Recently, my "AMP" dash light has been blinking on and off, as if it is being triggered by a relay short, or something like it. I have investigated the alternator, and the voltage regulator (which is built into the alternator), but am not sure of what I am looking at. This seems to happen most when all the accessories such as A/C and head lights are off. ANY help from ANYONE would greatly be appreciated.
Thank You![/quote:6686e0959c]

Perform a Regulator By-Pass test and re-observe the Amp lite. That's if you know how. check the belt and connections between Alty and Battery- and Double check all connections involving the Charge System.
Mar 29, 2006 at 11:24 AM
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DAVIDCLOOP
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I have a 1993 Mercury Tracer I had this same problem as it turns out in my case it was only a loose connection at the altenator.
If I were you I would check all your connections at the alt. by unplugging them and check for any loose wires or coroded/ dirty conections. Also look for any wires going to the alt that look to have been streched as this can cause an intermitant connection as well.
Apr 9, 2006 at 5:23 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have the alternator tested at a shop or auto parts store. Check the drive belt and all charging-system connections between the alternator and battery for looseness, corrosion, dirt, or stretched wires. If familiar with the procedure, a regulator bypass test can help determine whether the internal regulator is causing the AMP light to blink.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Mercury Topaz with a 2.3 L engine reported an AMP dash light blinking on and off, most often with accessories such as the A/C and headlights off, and was unsure after inspecting the alternator and its built-in voltage regulator. Experts recommended an inexpensive alternator test, a regulator bypass test if the owner knows how, and inspection of the belt and all charging-system connections. Another owner with a similar Mercury reported that a loose alternator connection caused the same symptom and advised checking for loose, corroded, dirty, or stretched wires.

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