battery light came on As I was accelerating

[Marc156]

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer. Yesterday my battery light came on and the voltage needle went to the bottom. I was able to hit the alternator with the back of a screw driver to get it working again temporally. I had to do this about 8 times during my 38 mile ride from home.

This morning I replaced the Alternator with a rebuilt from NAPA. After installing it the battery light was still on for about 5 minutes. I attribute this to a low battery to start with. Battery light went out and it was working as normal during the test drive.
Driving it to work a few minutes ago the battery light came on for a few seconds as I was accelerating to get into traffic. Then it went off. The idiot gauge appeared not to drop when this happened, it stayed in the middle. I am not sure if I have a potential problem or where to look. Please help!

History: Purchased as second car on 8/08

Rebuilt Alternator 2/17/09, Fuel Pump 1/5/09, rebuilt transmission 11/08, New ignition 11/08 (key would not work), Replaced Exhaust 10/08, Alternator replaced with used alternator 9/08 and new serpentine belt. I really like this truck and want to keep it but it is costing me a arm and two legs!

 

[Blee1099]

Welcome to the site.. Since you already replaced your alternator its probably good but to be safe I would get it bench tested at Napa. Also your battery may be failing. It probably initially caused the battery light to come on after changing since the battery wasn't fully charged up. I would also get the battery checked out, a new battery may be worth it. Often times a bad cell or a leaking battery can cause all sorts of trouble.

 

[Marc156]

Thank you

Blee1099 Thank you, I will pull take it out this weekend and get it tested. I was told the Battery was new when I got it but, some used car salesmen are just not that honest! So I will replace that as well.
Thanks for the well wishes and I am enjoying this site!