Check Charging System won't go away!

[SteveCM]

As I was driving home during a long road trip, the Check Charging System light was flashing on and off while in traffic. However, the battery meter stayed level and the lights never dimmed etc and the light has been mostly off since then, except for a few flashes here and there. The thing is, the alternator was only about 14 months old! I brought it down to the mechanic who replaced the alternator with a new one yesterday, but as he was pulling the car out for me, said the Check Charging System and battery light are on steady now and never go off. He showed me the readings with the voltage meter, about 14.5v on and 12v off. All terminal connections are clean with no buildup. He checked the alternator wiring several times to no avail. Told me to leave and come back in a few days!

I checked the high power fuses under the hood and one fuse appears broken, but its related to Door locks (#2) which is odd because the doors lock just fine.

So, what can cause the Check Charging System and battery light to be constantly on, even with a new alternator? I'm going to go nuts with these lights on!

Thanks

 

[imp]

I'm going to go nuts with these lights on!Thanks

Understandable! It's a 2002? My schematics are 2004, but presumably yours is pretty similar. Looks to me, like part of the problem diagnosing charging system problems now, is that the PCM (computer) has entered the picture (ain't technology wonderful?); it looks for charging system faults of several types, and takes some action appropriate to warning/preventing alternator burn-out, etc.

The PCM turns the Charge Indicator warning lamp "on" if it "sees" either 12V. or 0V. on the alternator's internal voltage regulator input terminal.

If you feel comfortable with trying to trouble-shoot your difficulty through use of the electrical schematic, I will post it. Please let me know, as my dial-up service is a hassle involving a lot of time to do so. But, don't hesitate to ask, if you want pictures! I'll be glad to help, if possible! imp

 

[SteveCM]

Understandable! It's a 2002? My schematics are 2004, but presumably yours is pretty similar. Looks to me, like part of the problem diagnosing charging system problems now, is that the PCM (computer) has entered the picture (ain't technology wonderful?); it looks for charging system faults of several types, and takes some action appropriate to warning/preventing alternator burn-out, etc.

The PCM turns the Charge Indicator warning lamp "on" if it "sees" either 12V. or 0V. on the alternator's internal voltage regulator input terminal.

If you feel comfortable with trying to trouble-shoot your difficulty through use of the electrical schematic, I will post it. Please let me know, as my dial-up service is a hassle involving a lot of time to do so. But, don't hesitate to ask, if you want pictures! I'll be glad to help, if possible! imp

I would be eternally grateful if you could do that for me Thanks for offering!

Steve

 

[bookbinder]

As I was driving home during a long road trip, the Check Charging System light was flashing on and off while in traffic. However, the battery meter stayed level and the lights never dimmed etc and the light has been mostly off since then, except for a few flashes here and there. The thing is, the alternator was only about 14 months old! I brought it down to the mechanic who replaced the alternator with a new one yesterday, but as he was pulling the car out for me, said the Check Charging System and battery light are on steady now and never go off. He showed me the readings with the voltage meter, about 14.5v on and 12v off. All terminal connections are clean with no buildup. He checked the alternator wiring several times to no avail. Told me to leave and come back in a few days!

I checked the high power fuses under the hood and one fuse appears broken, but its related to Door locks (#2) which is odd because the doors lock just fine.

So, what can cause the Check Charging System and battery light to be constantly on, even with a new alternator? I'm going to go nuts with these lights on!

Thanks

Any codes?

 

[imp]

Steve, I tried 3 imgs, cannot get fine print legible, so this is not going to help much! Being pretty newb at this stuff, I really don't know how to manipulate imgs to get what is wanted. I copied the print out of Ford Wiring, then scanned it. Will try scanning directly, that will take a bit longer, tell you why later. Meanwhile, if you like, PM me a mailing address, and I'll throw some schematics in tomorrow's mail.

How could I not want to help; we share the same first name!

BTW, the book guy makes a good point. There may be a code (DTC) generated even though it does not turn on the MIL ("CHECK ENGINE SOON").

(Edit) Below is scanned directly, better, but no see-gar!

 

[SteveCM]

Thanks very much for posting the diagram--it's definitely appreciated! I took it to have the codes read and they said they couldn't do it. I did, however, go into the dash board (message center) diagnostics mode and it is showing trouble code 5284. Looking into that, the only information I can find is on a mustang forum, and it says not to worry about that. The oil gauge seems to be perfectly in the middle, although the diagnostics mode read the pressure on the screen as 0. Is this unrelated and normal, or something to worry about?

Thanks!
Steve

 

[imp]

Thanks very much for posting the diagram--it's definitely appreciated! I took it to have the codes read and they said they couldn't do it. I did, however, go into the dash board (message center) diagnostics mode and it is showing trouble code 5284. Looking into that, the only information I can find is on a mustang forum, and it says not to worry about that. The oil gauge seems to be perfectly in the middle, although the diagnostics mode read the pressure on the screen as 0. Is this unrelated and normal, or something to worry about?

Thanks!
Steve

No help from me here, sorry! imp

 

[SteveCM]

As a follow up, the chart definitely helped. However, after going through the entire charging system, it seems that the problem is related to a really poorly installed remote starter. Trying to get a hold of the guy that installed that to remove it. It's an improperly grounded wire on a 5A fuse.

 

[SteveCM]

Had the system removed and the light is still on. Back to the beginning! I am really stuck on this one, and I have to leave on Tuesday in the car for a week. All connections appear fine: bad PCM??


Off to the mechanic monday AM, but I am guessing it won't be fixed before I leave.

Any other ideas?

Steve