blackcoffee
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- October 4, 2021
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- City, State
- SAINT INIGOES
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2018 Explorer Limited
New the the forum, first question on my 2018 Explorer Limited. Have been pretty active on other forums, especially with my Expedition.
So, the factory battery died at about 36 months. This seems to be typical for the current generation of Ford batteries which is disappointing because I remember them lasting 7 years. I no longer replace with Ford since they sold their Motorcraft division.
Anyhow, the Explorer has the typical symptom of a low voltage battery. No matter where audio was when you shutdown the car, it jumps to 530 AM on startup. This has always been the first warning to me that the battery was low. With my new battery, that is good, I did a multimeter check. Engine running battery connected 13.5 VDC. Engine running battery disconnected and reading alternator output 13.31 VDC. Took is to the Dealer (under warranty) and they say it is good. Told me the PCM regulates the alternator output based on demand. It used to be that 14.4 was typical alternator output and below 13.7 was time to replace. It seems funny that the "regulated output" is below the voltage of the battery installed and 13.3 VDC when not installed.
Does anyone have the details of the alternator test? Apparently old school multimeter does work anymore.
Thanks in advance.
So, the factory battery died at about 36 months. This seems to be typical for the current generation of Ford batteries which is disappointing because I remember them lasting 7 years. I no longer replace with Ford since they sold their Motorcraft division.
Anyhow, the Explorer has the typical symptom of a low voltage battery. No matter where audio was when you shutdown the car, it jumps to 530 AM on startup. This has always been the first warning to me that the battery was low. With my new battery, that is good, I did a multimeter check. Engine running battery connected 13.5 VDC. Engine running battery disconnected and reading alternator output 13.31 VDC. Took is to the Dealer (under warranty) and they say it is good. Told me the PCM regulates the alternator output based on demand. It used to be that 14.4 was typical alternator output and below 13.7 was time to replace. It seems funny that the "regulated output" is below the voltage of the battery installed and 13.3 VDC when not installed.
Does anyone have the details of the alternator test? Apparently old school multimeter does work anymore.
Thanks in advance.