Battery light on!!!

[GIJOE0916]

My battery light is on all the time. Thinking that it was a bad alternator and without testing the old one, I bought a new alternator. The battery is also new. I have checked the wires and nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. The main issue is that the alternator does not seem to be charging the battery which leads to a constantly drained battery. What could be going on?

 

[stamp11127]

Same issue is happening in this thread:

http://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/check-charge-system.34851/

 

[GIJOE0916]

Thanks stamp 11127. The issue is different to what they are discussing there.

 

[stamp11127]

Sorry about that, I put the wrong link in.

Do you have a dmm and are able to read wiring diagrams?

 

[GIJOE0916]

Yes, I do. What I am beginning to believe that it is causing this issue is the fusible link between the alternator and the fire wall.

 

[stamp11127]

Check the battery voltage first so you know what the source voltage is. With the engine running check voltage between the alt output stud and negative battery post. Charging voltage runs between 13.5 - 14.5 volts. Then voltage between alt output stud and positive battery post. This reading should be less than .5 volts.

 

[Jerry 2]

I like what stamp11127 just posted. I remembered, an alternator has to have an energized feed when ign. is turned on. If it does not have this so called trigger, it will not charge. With key on check for voltage at the alternator. If my memory is correct the wire is green w/ yellow stripe. If there is no power there , check for blown fuses or open circuited wire.

 

[Joseph Tator]

Bring it to ford service, yes it cost more then local repair shops but they have a better chance of fixing it right

 

[and0r]

Yes, I do. What I am beginning to believe that it is causing this issue is the fusible link between the alternator and the fire wall.

No.
Check your grounds.

Infact, go clean and resurface any ground you see!

 

[and0r]

Definitely check your grounds. Especially if your engine bay is dirty. But they also wear with age, even if your bay is clean. So definitely clean them.

You can use a manual or diagram to locate the grounds, but they are pretty easy to spot.

 

[and0r]

Ford also has a silly little habbit of painting the surface before installing the ground.
Make sure no body paint exists under ANY ground. If it does, you need to resurface the area with something abrasive.

 

[1955moose]

If you suspect a ground, why not run a jumper with clips straight from - cable of battery to alternator. If it starts charging, then mess with the factory ground!

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[GIJOE0916]

It was not the alternator the fusible link or the battery, it was non of the grounds. The small wire (white and black) that comes out from the center of the main three wire plug unto the stator was corroded. Cleaned it pinched it and the battery light went away. The test of the battery terminal was giving me only 11.6 V, after cleaning and tightening up the stator cable the voltage to the battery is 14.26. An incredibly simple solution that could have cost me hundreds of dollars!!

 

[GIJOE0916]

Fixed!!! It was not the battery, the alternator or any of the grounds.... the culprit was the small wire that goes into the stator. The wire showed evidence of corrosion, and was only occasionally making contact with the stator. If that wire is not working, nothing in the charging system will work! Removed it, cleaned it and ensure it was properly seating where it belongs and the battery light disappear. It is showing an alternator charge of 14.26V!!!!! Before you go on buying and alternator, or a battery check your wiring while someone is inside the vehicle looking for any changes. Good luck!

 

[1955moose]

Well their you go! Glad you figured it out. Corrosion causes more electrical issues than failed parts. Proud of you, you diagnosed your problem, and fixed your vehicle! That's the way its supposed to be done! I know your weekend got off to a great note. Again congrats, and thanks for posting your results.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[knewblewkorvett]

Good job on your fix find!