Need Help!! Some kind of electrcal problem

[bigmike11912]

Hi guys this is my first post and I have read alot of your guys advice for other problems I have had and they worked out. I have a 97 expedition EB 5.4

I was driving down the freeway the little battery light came on and about a minute later all the guages on the dash just dropped as if the engine was not on. I was able to drive about 5 more miles trying to get off of the freeway and then it died.

A tow truck hooked up jumper cables and it started but soon as the cables got disconnected it slowly started to die out again.

Once I was towed to autozone I had the battery cherged and the alternator tested. The alternator failed so I replaced it. They said the battery was taking a charge but then later said that it was no good so I replaced that. After putting in the new alternator and new battery she started right up but the battery light stayed on.

The next day I started it up and it was fine. I drove about 10 miles and the guages dropped again and it died.

I took the alternator out and returned it for a new one and cleaned the battery cables. I havent had a chance to start it yet. But has anyone else had these issues and if so where can I start to try to resolve it. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give.

Stranded Mike

 

[stamp11127]

I didn't feel like typing a book so check this link out:

HowStuffWorks "How Alternators Work"

Once you have read and understand why your alternator idiot light comes on we can assist you with troubleshooting the system. If you don't have one I would suggest buying a decent digital volt meter (DVM). Search around, there are plenty of good ones in the $50-80 dollar range. This should be a tool in every tool box

Check this guy out for beginner dvm's. He gets colorful when he starts ranting about design quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1n_ELmpFI

 

[nsperf]

I would have to check the wiring guide.

First follow the post above. A meter makes it alot easier. I prefer to get one with volts and ohms. This can be used to test grounds, wires, switches, fuses, sensors so it is a useful investment.

You will have to check to make sure that all connections to the alt are good tight and corrosion free. Ensure you have a good ground. Check and verify any fusible links, bad alt or battery has been known to burn them