Tighten Adjuster Belt Loose Idler Pully Battery Light 2003

[Myster10]

Hey! Hope I have posted this on the right area, I saw a thread on this website about the battery blinking error and I don't think it's the right solution for my problem. Another symptom is the radio is fuzzy when turned on.

So my battery is fine, tested at 12.4v, when I run the vehicle the battery light is blinking /flashing and shows up at about 11.5 on the voltmeter. The idler pulley is loose and moves easily when I rotate it with my hands, so I presume that's what's causing the alternator not to run efficiently and giving the error?

Does anyone know how to make the pulley not rotate by I presume tightening the belt Adjuster? Thanks it's a holiday tomorrow so I won't be able to make it to thanksgiving if I can't fix it myself.

2003 Ford Expedition 5.4

Regards

 

[ExplorerTom]

I think there’s a language barrier here.

The idler pulley should spin freely.

The tensioner needs to apply tension to the belt to turn all the other pulleys without the belt slipping. The tensioner does wear out.

 

[riphip]

Replace the tensioner & belt. Remove & Check the other idler pulleys for smooth turning while holding the bearing on your finger. If it feels a little rough while turning, replace it.
Check on Rockauto.com unless you need faster.
Rockauto 5% Discount Code & instructions
Tensioner
Idler Pulley
Belt
I personally use the Motorcraft since they have already lasted so long on my truck but the Dayco or Gates products are very good manufacture.

 

[Myster10]

The idler pulley should spin freely.

Oh really? I saw a video that explained that was the cause of the symptoms, got excited it's not an alternator problem. Have an idea what it could be? I've been checking wires, not sure what fuses to check though.. Thanks

 

[Myster10]

Amazing thank you I will check this all out and retest the pulley, reckon that's it then? Regards

 

[Hamfisted]

How old is the alternator ? If it's original it's probably wearing out. Nowhere in the system should you see 11.5v when the engine is idle or above. When you replace the alternator make sure you get the 110 amp version and not the 135 amp version or you will get another warning light.

 

[Myster10]

How old is the alternator ?

Pretty sure it is the original so it wouldn't surprise me, lucky I've seen some that are $160cad if that's the case

 

[ExplorerTom]

Oh really? I saw a video that explained that was the cause of the symptoms, got excited it's not an alternator problem. Have an idea what it could be? I've been checking wires, not sure what fuses to check though.. Thanks

Are you taking off the belt? How’s the tensioner? When they go bad they sort of flop around.

 

[Myster10]

Ok the case is closed, I ended up buying an alternator and installing it took about 45 minutes and yeah it fixed the problem, they are pretty cheap online but the wife was hassling so spent the extra $100 haha.
Thanks everyone!