Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. I have a 1997 Taurus GL with the base 3.0 liter engine. I've owned it since new, and it has given yeoman service int the 9 years its been in the family. I've only experienced two issues with the car in the 9 years/131,000 miles; tranny failure at 50,000 (luckily replaced under extended warranty), and the cam sensor failing at 98,000.

But now the charging system/battery light comes on solid when the RPMs go over 3000, and it will flicker a bit when the RPM's drop below 1000. My first guess is the belt is slipping - it is the original belt after all, but it doesn't make any noise or appear to be loose when turning at idle. While I will be replacing the belt due to its age, is there anything else I should check out at the same time?

Thanks for looking and any suggestions.

David

 

If it is all original, I would change the tensioner and the idler pulley while you are changing the belt. If the tensioner spring is weak, it will cause your problem.

 

Hello, I have a 97 GL as well, and I stumbled on this by accident. I was in D instead of OD one day getting on the freeway, and over 3000 rpm, I noticed the batt light was flickering. I also noticed the high rpm so I shifted into OD. The rpm dropped and the light went off. Thought it was strange. Anytime after that, whenever at high rpm, I think I can remember the batt light flickering. Never a solid on light though. Anyway, about a month or so later, the alternator went out and went out quick. I got a used alternator from the junkyard and replaced it. No problems since. Don't know if this is what your problem is or not. But just in case, you can take your car to a local autozone and they will test your alternator for free.