Crown Victoria V8-4.6L SOHC VIN 6 (1996)
Charging System: Service Precautions
1. Be certain that battery polarity is correct when servicing units. Reversed battery polarity will damage rectifiers and regulators.
2. If booster battery is used for starting, be sure polarity is correct.
3. When a fast charger is used to charge a vehicle battery, vehicle battery cables should be disconnected unless fast charger is equipped with a special
alternator protector. A fast charger should never be used to start a vehicle as damage to rectifiers will result.
4. Unless system includes a load relay or field relay, grounding alternator output terminal will damage alternator and/or circuits. This is true even
when system is not in operation since a circuit breaker is not used and battery voltage is applied to the alternator output terminal at all times. The
field or load relay acts as a circuit breaker in that it is controlled by ignition switch.
5. Before making any on vehicle tests of alternator or regulator, battery should be checked and circuit inspected for faulty wiring or insulation, loose
or corroded connections, and poor ground circuits.
6. Ensure alternator belt tension is tight enough to prevent slipping under load.
7. To prevent damage to the system, ignition switch should be OFF and battery ground cable disconnected before making any test connections.
8. Vehicle battery must be fully charged or a fully charged battery may be installed for test purposes.
