battery needle all over place at stoplight

[killr12002]

Hi. I have a 1994 Ford Explorer. I never had a problem until the other day. At stoplight, battery gauge needle was all over place, car started bucking, and car ran hot!!!! Is this the alternator, or do i need a bigger battery?

 

[maroon93limited]

Might not be the most accurate test, but while it's running and in park (make sure the park brake is on as well!!) pull your positive batter cable off. If the Explorer dies, the alternator is most likely shot. Like I said, not the most accurate test but it's saved me from buying one in the past when all I needed was a battery.

 

[Boodaggy]

I recently had a similar issue, though the explorer ran fine, the battery gauge started going crazy all over the place. Changed the negative battery cable (the whole thing from battery to frame, to motor block) and problem was resolved. Check your cables and see if the copper wire in the insulation is corroded (turning a whitish green). The cable was $10 or so at advanced auto.

 

[killr12002]

problem

My neighbor looked this morning and my vacuum hoses were pulled out. My driver's side window motor was acting up and bought one over weekend and the guyy who sold it to me replaced it.. I was wondering when window was down for a few days overnight if somebody popped hood and pulled them out since there has been some vandalism around here. When i drove to work, i had a problem at first stoplight as it died again after needle jumping around, seemed like it was overheating, then it was fine the rest of the way and at stoplights coming home. Still want to check the cables, etc in light tomorrow and taking it the guy seller to have him inspect it for misfires, etc as he has all the tools and parts. Im learning watching him. Thanx for advice and appreciate any more hints.

 

[FIND]

Sometimes vacuum hoses just fall off.

Also, check the vacuum tree on the back of your intake manifold, on the back side of it, there may be one branch that doesn't have a hose running to it, make sure there is a cap on that line.

If you were having a problem with it seeming like it was overheating when you first were driving today, there is a good possibility that was just air bubbles that were bleeding out of your cooling system. You should check your antifreeze level to be sure it didn't drop too far now that the system has the air out.