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Topic: 1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question (Read 1801 times) previous topic - next topic

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Just bought an '88 T-bird sport w/ 5.0 AOD.

Alternator is only charging at 10.25 at idle with no light or accessories on, will run the battery down after about 10 starts. So I decided to replace the alternator. I get one at the local parts house and it comes with the plug permanently attached to it, with 3 wires you have to crimp/solder onto the harness after cutting off the factory plug.

My problem is, the factory plug only has 2 wires on it. (Large black with orange stripes). The new alternator has a 3 wire plug (2 large black, and one small white). Besides that they are aesthetically the same alternator.

I thought maybe the original plug has a wire cut or burn off, however it never had the white wire ever in it.

Any clues as to what I'm dealing with here?

Thanks,
Don

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Reply #1 –
Take a picture of the old one.

Every one I've had has 5 wires total with two plugs.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Reply #2 –
The white wire is not needed if your car has an ammeter. It is used on cars with just an alternator warning (idiot) light.
If your stock cable connector is in good shape, use it. They supply the new connector because the stock connector is frequently damaged from over heating.

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Reply #3 –
Thanks softtouch. The new alternator has the plug permanently attached to it with the wires with crimp connectors dangling off of it. So I can't use the original plug.

I'll just not use the white wire.

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Reply #4 –
I'd take it back and get a different alternator. Never seen one with the plug molded in
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Reply #5 –
May be perfect time for the 3G alternator upgrade. You can do a search on here.. Nice ride also.
87 Tbird LX w/Factory floor shifter:D   3G upgrade. Tinted Windows...85 Mustang GT steering wheel(non-cruise) 17'' Saleen SC style wheels,Front/Rear TC sway bars/poly bushings & Mustang GT steering rack...'05 Mustang V6 springs...93 Cobra MC & booster, MM adjustable C/C plates,  Work  In  Progress.......  ( On The Shelf---HO computer, 19lb injectors, HO cam, BBK headers, Explorer Intake, Cold Air Intake ,Phantom Gauges, Stinger stainless exhaust pipes )
 S O L D
 

1988 thunderbird 5.0 Alternator question

Reply #6 –
3G is certainly a good idea. I did it years ago. Great mod and very functional.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..