I have a 2013 Explorer that had the check charging system light turn on and the steering get really tight. So I checked the Alternator and was only getting 10 volts. I changed the Alternator (put in an aftermarket AC Delco from Auto Zone) Belt and Tensioner. Put it all back together and it started right up. Steering was back to normal but the Check charging system turned on again. Stumped with what to do I took it to a mechanic. The checked the battery and was reading only 450CCA so I had them put in a new battery. So now all that is new and the mechanic wasnt able to go deeper into the checks bc it was a Saturday and they closed early. So I took the Car. It has run fine everyday but I get the message everytime the car starts moving and stays on. I read that maybe the BMS sensor and that can be done by the dealer. I just dont wanna keep dumping money into the vehicle as we have had a ton of issue since we first bought it. Any ideas or advice you guys can give me?
Thanks!
2013 explorer limited, 4wd, 3.5L
I'm having this same issue with my 2013 explorer minus the steering problem. The light comes on within a minute of starting, and stays on even at highway speeds. Here's the crap I've been through so far:
The check charging system light comes on within a minute of starting, and stays on even at highway speeds. Here's the crap I've been through so far:
1) The check charging system light was on, so i went to parts store and had them test it. They tell me the voltage regulator is bad. I thought "alternator," because I didn't realize it was regulated by the PCM at the time. Replaced the alternator with an aftermarket one from OReilly, also did belt and tensioner, but I still have the light coming on.
2) I went back, and warrantied a battery I put in back in October. I also upgraded it to a motorcraft 850CCA. This didn't fix it. I ordered a second alternator in case they just gave me a defective one. They warrantied it with no issue. Then, I installed the second alternator which still didn't fix it. After each new alternator, I was getting about 13.6v at the battery with the engine running.
3) I read on this forum that it could be the wiring harness. I ordered one and installed it. The problem is strangely better, but not fixed. Now, the charging system light only comes on when at idle. It turns off when I'm off idle (still less than 2000rpm).
4) I read on these forums that it could be a grounding issue. I thought this is consistent with "improvement" from part 3, since I had to remove several grounds to replace the harness, and I did a quick half ass cleaning on them. So this time, One by one, I removed all the grounds (including ones I didn't mess with when doing the harness) cleaned them with a wire wheel on a Dremel, smeared the grounding point, cable end, and screw with conductive grease, and reinstalled them. Just to be safe, I installed an extra ground between the transmission and the chassis and greased that up too. The problem isn't fixed.
Only now have I gone after it with a volt meter (had to buy a new one since my old one finally crapped out, hence my hesitation). I'm getting 13.6 from the alternator right at the post on it, as well as at the battery. No vd on the hot side. From the case of the alternator to the negative battery terminal I'm losing about 1.5 mV, so basically nothing there.
I'm ready to set it on fire at this point. Does anyone have a recommendation for a next step here, because I'm at a loss. I'm thinking I'll just shell out the money for a new motorcraft alternator on the off chance that this aftermarket brand just sucks.
