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Electrical load causing erratic idle?

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Offline keith

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Electrical load causing erratic idle?
« on: January 04, 2004, 12:59:00 PM »
My 90 Tracker automatic idles between 800 and 1100 rpm when in gear.  I have noticed that if I have the headlights on or the heater fan on it does
this.  If I don't have the lights or fan on it idles steadily. I have already replaced the engine computer. Any idea what could cause this? Thanks.
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95XL7

Re: Electrical load causing erratic idle?
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2004, 01:07:06 PM »
Yeah,maybe the alternator regulator.

Also make sure your battery terminals and cables are clean and tight.

Depending on where you live you can take it to your local autozone and they will test it for ya free while you wait.
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Offline bandit86

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Re: Electrical load causing erratic idle?
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2004, 01:15:40 PM »
electrical load on your alternator is mechanical load on your engine.  1 hp = 746Watts. your headlights and other lights are about 130 watts, your blower fan about 120 Watts.  It translates to about 1/3 to 1/2 Hp to drive it all, plus some mechanical losses on bearings, etc, but usually count alternators as 95%efficient. Idle should not get affected this much, unless your engine is running lean.  Try changing the 02 sensor, might give a slightly different reading then it should.  FIRST, Check to see if your Idle circuit works, Maybe your idle air control is not fuinctioning at all.
« Last Edit: January 04, 2004, 01:16:21 PM by bandit86 »
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Offline Cowtracker

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Re: Electrical load causing erratic idle?
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2004, 01:17:31 PM »
be sure you'r battery is up to snuff./ I have seen a weak battery cause idle problems on these.
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Offline nz_escudo

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Re: Electrical load causing erratic idle?
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2004, 04:54:56 PM »
I have the same problem in my 89 escudo , with no electrical load it idles nicely round 800rpm but with lights or A/C on it rises 200-300rpm. With pod air filter on it sounds like Im running an air compressor.I have wondered if installing a gruntier alternator might fix it.
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