Batt/Alternator- This was weird

[Ross-N-Chicago]

OK,

I have been watching the voltage meter on the dash and it has been reading pretty low, much closer to the 8 mark than 18. After a 30 minute highway ride home I stop to get a milkshake and leave the hazards on. I get back out and it won't turn over, just a bunch of clicks. Girlfriend comes and I jump it, no problem, but just before I get home the X starts to shutter and I barely crawled into a gas station. Car dies, won't turn over. Run to K Mart and get a Champion battery and replace. Fires right up but the voltage meter is still low. Is this most likely bad alternator or bad cables? I've never had any problems starting it in the cold weather here either.

Thanks...

 

[ahhjaws]

Sound like an alt. problem, but I would take it to a parts place or something and they have tester they can use to make sure.

 

[Robb]

You are on the right track. It will be the alt or the wires. There are a bunch of posts on 1st generation explorer wires getting corrosion in them. So, as mentioned above, go get the alt checked out for free somewhere, and if it is okay, I would think your main cables are gone.

Robb

 

[PekingMan]

Is your battery light on? It sounds like an alternator problem. How many miles are on the alternator? It may need some new brushes. They only cost about $10. Worst case, you might need a rebuilt alternator. I would be wary of having your alternator checked. I had mine tested a while ago and the guys who did had no idea what they were doing and their diagnosis was wrong. So, I would have it tested. But before they try to sell you a completely rebuilt one, take it out and look at the brushes. A lot of times thats all that needs to be replaced.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Update:

Started up this morning and the meter was much closer to 18 mark (good). After driving a few miles it plummeted back to the 8 mark. I am assuming it is the alternator and will replace in the next day or two. I know it is old, at least 5 years, so no big deal. Should I upgrade to the 130a? Any brands to stay away from?

Thanks again...