Hey guys. This is for a 03 exp. 4.6 I'm getting a "check charging system". It killed my battery. So bought a new one and it drained that one. While driving I saw that the message kept going off and on. So has to be a loose connection. Where can I look?
Check charging system
- Thread starter Harry
- Start date
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Hamfisted
Full Access Members
How long have you had the Expy ? Has the alternator recently been replaced ? Unless you have factory Navigation package it should be the 110 amp alternator. If you try using anything else you will get the check charge error messages. Other than that, what is the voltage across the battery with the engine idling?
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Lee_H
Well-Known Member
Check loose ground wires, I had one that was loose on an 1971 RUSTang. It caused all sorts of trouble. Doesn't hurt to run an extra wire from the alt. to the frame and see if any differences happen.
You can check the wires by doing a Voltage Drop Test
I had it for 5 years. I didn't get a reading. I just replaced the battery. I just recently changed the alternator four days ago. Now the message is popping up again.
Then this is likely your problem. Like @Hamfisted said it's the wrong size alternator.
Did your truck come with navigation?
What was the part number for the alternator you got?
BlackCoffee
Full Access Members
Did you check the voltage coming out of the new alternator? Also, check the tensioner and serpentine belt to make sure it is not slipping. Does it occur during a turn a turn or when the A/C kicks on? If you belt tension is down, the additional load may cause the belt to slip.
I'm not sure about the navigation. The alternator looked exactly as the old one. And unfortunately iam stranded right now. The message stayed on and the battery is completely dead.
How will I know if the belt is slipping. I replaced the belt as well about 3 weeks ago.
It doesn't occur when I turn or turn the AC. It usually will pop up quickly then goes away. Like if something is loose. And cause it to get that message.
Hamfisted
Full Access Members
Where did you get it from ? If it's Advance Auto or O'Reilly you can throw it in a canal. Use either NAPA or Motorcraft branded alternators, and make sure it's a 110 amp alternator, not the 135 amp.
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Lol yea it was from advance. I called them earlier to confirm it was 110. I wanna add a additional ground wire. How can I do that?
Hamfisted
Full Access Members
I wouldn't waste any more time on that alternator. It's a POS. You can tell 'em it's setting off your battery warning system and try an get a refund, or try another alternator, but it'll likely be the same. They do show a Motorcraft 110 amp alternator in their inventory, you'd have to ask for it. It's about $60 more than their crap store brand. Maybe you'd have better luck. Tell 'em their store brand is triggering a charge problem and you want to exchange it for the Motorcraft F40003332750MTR unit. They should do that without too much hassle.
Alternators at Rock Auto
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Thank
Thank you. I'll look into it this week. I'll keep you guys updated
Crazywhiteboy94
Member
Please post if find solution same problem with added ground from alt to body
I was having the same message with "check charging system", new alternator and new battery. I followed the advice above about putting in a 110A alternator (I had a 135A alternator with no nav system) and sure enough, it went away immediately!
