tpenfield
New Member
- Joined
- September 10, 2011
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- Massachusetts
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2017 AWD XLT
OK, I got an unusual problem and have gone through the basics and then some. . .
2004 Explorer 4.6 V8 AWD
Symptoms:
1) Battery DOES NOT hold a charge when engine is running
2) Battery DOES hold a charge if vehicle left alone for a week or two.
3) Battery idiot light comes on when engine RPM is under 1500 or so.
4) Volt meter reads low after engine has been running.
5) Power steering is sluggish (minimal assist and noticeable difference from normal).
So, I thought common denominator is serpentine belt. I replaced the belt. It made no difference. Tension on new belt seems fine; it seems to be turning everything fine.
So, I thought maybe battery - I replaced the battery. No difference.
I don't want to keep throwing arts at this thing, and I am asking myself what are the odds that BOTH the Alternator AND the Power Steering pump would fail at the same time ???
So, I am wondering if there is something about the power steering that relies on a properly working electrical system ??? If so, then I am thinking just the Alternator is bad.
What else could it be? What else should I check/do ??
Thanks in advance.
2004 Explorer 4.6 V8 AWD
Symptoms:
1) Battery DOES NOT hold a charge when engine is running
2) Battery DOES hold a charge if vehicle left alone for a week or two.
3) Battery idiot light comes on when engine RPM is under 1500 or so.
4) Volt meter reads low after engine has been running.
5) Power steering is sluggish (minimal assist and noticeable difference from normal).
So, I thought common denominator is serpentine belt. I replaced the belt. It made no difference. Tension on new belt seems fine; it seems to be turning everything fine.
So, I thought maybe battery - I replaced the battery. No difference.
I don't want to keep throwing arts at this thing, and I am asking myself what are the odds that BOTH the Alternator AND the Power Steering pump would fail at the same time ???
So, I am wondering if there is something about the power steering that relies on a properly working electrical system ??? If so, then I am thinking just the Alternator is bad.
What else could it be? What else should I check/do ??
Thanks in advance.