Charging System Light

[ChapPcemkr]

Hello All.

I have a 2003 4*4 XLT with 4.6L V8.

Charging System Light (Battery Icon on the instrument Cluster) came on.
Soon after, it was followed by a "HI Temp/Low Oil" warning light along with engine temp gauge shooting up to the redline.

Concurrently, the power steering is not working.

Is this an alternator issue? Is power steering related to this issue or is this just a coincidence?

Is there something easier for me to check before working on the alternator?

Your Help is Appreciated.

Happy New Year All.

 

[stamp11127]

Use a digital multi meter to check charging voltage at the battery @2500 rpm. Should be in the 13.5-14.5v range. Slightly higher is ok, close to 15 isn't - less than 13.5 isn't good either.

 

[ChapPcemkr]

Thanks. Will check.
Turns out the actual cause is a slipped serpentine belt. Will replace it with a new one and then recheck everything else.