New cougar owner, but one with a new problems also

T

twigsterify

Forum user
Dec 30, 2016
11
0
holland
I Am the new owner of a dutch cougar from 99 its the 2.5 v6.
I love the car its drives well looks awesome, but the alternator is acting all funny.
I had the alternator and V belt done, so I was certain the car would be running for a long time.
The drive home all is well, until I noticed the battery light. at home I found at the 10 amps alternator fuse was burned. I replaced went for a drive, but the alternator fuse went out again.
I can't call my mechanic, because he has the days off for new years eve.
do any of you guys know things I can try?
 
Not an electrics expert but if you have paid for somebody to do this my advice would be to leave it alone and get them to complete the job you have paid for.

If you alter or mess with it they might say you have caused the issue and try and not be willing to sort out the issue for you.

It does sound like its shorting out somewhere. Could be an exposed wire , faluty part , bad earth
 
Thanks for the fast reply!
I am not planning to tinker with the car, I was just curious too see if someone had the same problem as I did.
I just want to drive the car soo much its a blast, it sticks to the tarmac like glue. and yet has no problem to go on a nice relaxed cruise, I just have to wait till new year sadly
 
Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I'd love to help you diagnose this problem, but I'm afraid that Dandamano is absolutely correct. If you have paid for a professional service, take it back to them. Do not attempt to correct it yourself, even if you think you can.
 
Well all i'll say is the wiring for the alternator sits VERY close to the steering rack and pipes and if they haven't tucked the wires away properly they could have rubbed on something...especially the small regulator wires..
if this is the case though it could have well damaged the diode pack in the alternator...dont go touching it though or they will instantly blame you for it...get it back to the people who did the work and play hell with them.

- - - Updated - - -

ya beet me to it paul:LOL:
 
Man this is refreshing soo much activity and helpfull folks, on the dutch thunderace site for my motorbike, its like a dessert.
I'm going to let the mechanic sort it out, but I thought maybe you guys had some tips I could pass on to him.
Can't wait to new years so I can have it sorted out!
 
best tip is to remove the engine from the car, remove the front and rear manifolds and then change the alternator, buy and fit stainless exhaust manifolds which dont have precats and refit engine. if that is not an available option to you then 4 foot of extension bars and a flexi joint from the front left wheelwell will get you onto the nut to tighten it up sufficiently but will encourage the use of verbal and possibly physical Vulgarity toward the parents of the engine design team :LOL: also worth noting there are 2 sizes of alternator 115 amp and 130 amp the latter being the one required for the V6 (y)
 
Thanks for all the help guys, I have a feeling it's the voltage regulator. When idling my fuse is fine, but when I go for a drive it burns. The mechanic is back tomorrow so I'll give him a call.
 
Well I called the mechanic. He started with I couldn't get a warranty on the alternator because I let a car dealer without a workshop (dont know the English word for it) arrange the deal. Which is strange, because by law I have warranty on the job, I have the receipt for it. Tomorrow I'm going to the mechanic hoping he will be reasonable, if not and he wants me to pay the full price, I'll have my own mechanic fix it. I hope it's something easy like a bad ground, but I fear it is the voltage regulator, since above 4000 rpms my fuse burns.
I had big plans for the car, but for now they are on hold until I have fixed the car completely
 
I don't know the first thing about Dutch law so I'm not able to advise you about the warranty, but I do hope this all works out amicably. After all, for the mechanic it's a couple of hours and a few euros in parts (if he just replaces the regulator).

Just out of interest though, exactly which fuse (number) is blowing?
 
I dont have the book in front of me so I dont know the number correctly, but I know the manual states it as the 10 amp alternator fuse, which is located under the bonnet next to the battery
The red one on the bottom left
43375d1303738501-solid-battery-light-0830101634.jpeg
 
Well I tried to reply with a photo, but I have no clue if it has been rejected or still under investigation. However its the 10 amp fuse under the bonnet it is I believe the number 7 one. In my dutch manual it states it as the alternator fuse. I have the first cougar model the one with the 2544 engine.
 
its very rare for the regulator to fail unless it has been tampered with and you are more likely to see your lights dimming rather than blow a fuse, I would think it more likely that its arcing under load although I would suggest checking the condition of your mega fuse as your mechanic does not sound very professional not honouring a warranty so I would suggest they would not have taken care when removing the alternator if indeed they did replace the alternator, can you see a nice shiny new one fitted???
 
Well I saw a new alternator sitting in the engine bay. From what I've picked up whilst talking on the phone, it seemed like he had a dispute with the guy I bought it from or if he thought I was questioning his capabilities as a mechanic. So I think he was kinda fed up with the stuff he had to deal with.
He is known for his work on oldtimers and maserati so I believe he is quite capable, but you never know.
I just got back from the mechanic and he will start on it today, he seemed more willing to work with me and think of some ideas that could be the problem

My brother noted my rear fog light was burning even though I hadnt turned it on, and my rear left blinker wasnt working anymore.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.