Hi, i have an 1995 EF fairmont ghia, it went well when i got it a year ago, but slowly it has been losing voltage, the gauge sits on 14 volts when i start it, but after a little while it drops and sits on 13 volts( give or take a little). when i turn on my stereo i can pull the volts down to 11, sometimes lower, does anyone have any idea's what my problem might be. i'm only a new member so i'm just getting the hang of this sight. thanks heaps

sounds about right, although the voltage regulator may be on the fritz.....

is your stereo real kick-a***?
it might be the reason why if it is.

Dropping from 14 to 13 after running for a while is perfectly normal. When your voltage drops to 11 is that at idle or driving along?
If your loading up the electrical system at idle, the voltage will drop below 12 but as long as it comes back up when you're moving its fine also.

Welcome to the forum too.

Mine did the same, i looked at the alternator, was black crap all around it, have a look, cost me $360 for a brand spanker from Repco, of all places, problem solved.

thanks for the replies, i havent been on the computer in a couple of days, well i have a full JVC system with two 12s in the boot, plus two amps aswell, but it also barly comes up over 13 volts when i am driving aswell, which by rights i thought would at least bring it up around 14 again. it's a real pain, cause it just seems to have it's good days aswell wgen it will sit up 13.5 for a while. it seems to me that it's charging the car ok, but not if you use the stereo it cant keep up. none of my other cars had this kinda problem, and i always have a big system. thanks heaps

your alternator could be crook.
ford 6cyl suffers from leaky p/steer line which drips all over the alternator, which over time can stuff it up.
is your's leaking?
what voltage drop are you getting from the alternator to the battery?
i also might have an alternator to suit.

Have you actually measured the voltage with a multimeter? I've noticed on most cars that the current is drawn through the loom hence the instrument cluster is showing a lower level, eg: turn on your Aircon and watch your cluster volt meter drop, (your oil guage will drop more if you look at it on the freeway and do this) ya see the clutch on the compressor is getting its power from the loom a (few amps) and therefore giving the cluster a weak signal.

As you stated it's gotten worse.... maybe with your current drain and if your young....Most of your driving would probably be at night... your lights, stereo, and other goodies are used at once your battery may be getting a lil bit tired.

anyways.... hope this helps and solves a lot of other people from 'stressing out'

cheers Andrew