Alternator - Low Output/Low Battery Charge

^ ALTERNATOR - LOW OUTPUT - LOOSE DRIVE BELT Article No.
87-7-3
^ ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT - LOOSE - LOW ALTERNATOR OUTPUT

^ NO START - ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT LOOSE


LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1988 TRACER


ISSUE: A loose alternator drive belt on vehicles built before 02/20/87 results in low alternator output resulting in a low state of battery charge and a no-start condition. This may be caused by initial alternator drive belt stretch.

Figure 2 - Article 87-7-3:

ACTION: Dealers are requested to inspect the alternator drive belt tension during pre-delivery, and adjust and/or replace as required, using one of the following service procedures. Refer to Figure 2.


Drive Belt Adjustment

1. Loosen alternator mounting and adjustment bolts.

2. Tighten alternator drive belt and temporarily tighten upper adjustment bolt.

3. Check belt tension between water pump and alternator pulleys using Rotunda Tool No. 021-00028.The tension should be 88-120 lbs. Retension belt if not within this specification. If tension gauge is not available, belt deflection (belt travel above or below belt normal center line) should be set to 8-9 mm (0.31-0.35 in.). Failure to tension belt to these specifications may cause premature belt failure.

4. Tighten alternator mounting and adjustment bolts. Torque lower mounting bolt to 27-38 ft.lbs. (73-51 N-m) and the upper adjustment bolt to 14-19 ft.lbs. (12-25 N-m).

Drive Belt Replacement and Adjustment

NOTE: If any one of the following four conditions exist, the alternator drive belt has been damaged and must be replaced using the remaining steps.


^ Initial belt deflection is 16 mm or more.
^ Vehicle exhibits a belt noise or has a dead battery from a loose belt.
^ The alternator pulley is discolored due to heat from belt slippage.
^ Drive side of belt has hollow wear, damage, or black luster to it.

1. Loosen alternator mounting and adjustment bolts.

2. Loosen either the air conditioning compressor or power steering adjusting bolt and remove the ribbed drive belt (if equipped).

3. Remove alternator drive belt and install a new belt (E7GZ-8620-B) or Motorcraft part number JA-350.

4. Tighten alternator drive belt to 88-120 lbs. of tension or 8-9 mm (0.31-0.35 in.) deflection and temporarily tighten adjustment bolt.

5. Run engine at 1500 RPM for five (5) minutes with an electrical load on such as headlights or rear defroster.

6. Re-tension alternator drive belt to 88-120 lbs. or 8-9 mm (0.31-0.35 in.) deflection.

7. Torque lower alternator mounting bolt to 27-38 ft.lbs. (35-51 N-m) and the adjustment bolt to 14-19 ft.lbs. (19-25 N-m).

8. Reinstall air conditioning compressor or power steering pump drive belt and retighten adjusting bolt. Measure belt tension with Tool #T63L- 8620-A between crankshaft pulley and air conditioning or power steering pulley. Tension should be set at 88-120 lbs. tension or 8-9 mm (0.32-0.39 in.) deflection.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

E7GZ-8620-B Accessory Drive Belt B

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual
OPERATION: 8620EALT - Adjust drive belt
TIME: 0.2 Hr.

OPERATION: 8620B - Replace and adjust drive belt
TIME: 0.3 Hr.
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 8620
Code: 33/30