Intermittent "Check Charging System"

[Eddie bauer Owner]

I've read through a number of threads on here and it seems like there isn't just one common problem, so hoping you can help point me in the right direction.

Here goes: 2004 5.4 with 176k. Beginning last night - only at startup - the "Check Charging System" message displays and the battery light goes on and off. After pulling out of the driveway, both warnings clear and all seems normal. 15 minute drive. Stop and shut off for 10 minutes waiting for kid to get out of practice. At startup, once again, a brief chime of the message, but the drive home was uneventful.

This morning, same thing - except the message stayed on for a few blocks, then cleared. I came back home after 15 minutes of driving and checked voltage at battery while running: 14v plus (I think in the range of 14.3?). Drove another 15 minutes to work and while idling at a stop light, message came back (and I think I heard the blower motor slow down). The dash gauge seems to be normal and doesn't fluctuate. I popped the hood real quick (message and battery light are still on at this point), and measure voltage again. This time it's at 12v plus change.

Does this sound symptomatic of a failing alternator? Any other likely culprits I could quickly rule out (my understanding of electronics and circuitry is minimal, so my diagnostic skills are severely handicapped)?

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Eddie bauer Owner]

I have a 1st generation expedition! I suggest taking your ride to your local parts store & ask 2 use their OBD 2 scanner or have the clerk scan your suv for any electrical codes 1st off!! If the scanner comes up w/no codes; I suggest checking your suv's sensors! Then check your Voltage regulator w/in your alternator!!​

 

[Chris Mellas]

Check the wiring between the battery and the alternator. My 2003 5.4 wore a hole in the plastic wiring covering, grounding it out the A/C line. I cut out the section of old wire, soldered in a new of piece of wire , and that fixed the problem.

 

[rjdelp7]

Loose battery connections...?

 

[Bolt snapper]

Now that a month has passed, I thought I'd drop in with an update for future use. Replaced the alternator and all is good. No trouble since. Thanks again for the responses and help!

 

[riphip]

Now that a month has passed, I thought I'd drop in with an update for future use. Replaced the alternator and all is good. No trouble since. Thanks again for the responses and help!

Thanks for coming back!! Glad you got it fixed

Which brand/amp alternator did you use??

 

[Bolt snapper]

Sorry for the slow response. Unless I have a problem, I'm guilty of not checking in here as often as I should (although I do make it a point to come back and report a result like I did). I know this will draw some criticism and I may learn the hard way, but I bought a super cheap one from Amazon. I'll see if I can find the exact one and report back. I'm several months into it and no issues to report. I don't drive a lot of miles, but it's worked ok so far.....