"check charging system"

[supercell]

While driving my 2005 Explorer, the check charging system message flashes with the battery icon for a second or two, then stops. A minute or two later, it happens again. After several minutes of this, the computer and all power shuts down for a second or two, then reboots and all power comes back. The truck does not stall during this. It runs normal for a minute and then the whole cycle starts again. The other day I drove for 30 minutes and it didn't happen at all, but it usually starts within the first 10 minutes of driving.

I thought it might be the battery, so I changed it, but the problem continues. It can't be the alternator, right? Wouldn't the truck stall when the power goes out? Any suggestions on what might be happening?

 

[supercell]

After consulting with a few local mechanics, I made an appointment with a dealership to check it out. I'll keep you informed in case you have this problem in the future.

 

[supercell]

The dealer nailed it! I don't know how I overlooked it. I'm back on the road again. Thanks for your help.

 

[crash594]

???????? what was it

 

[Capt'n Morgan]

Really! Don't you love the posts that leave you hanging?

I've got the same error message appearing after the alternator was replaced with an aftermarket one. The shop is going to try the OEM one to see if that gets rid of the issue.

 

[Capt'n Morgan]

FWIW, my alternator was just replaced because it was squeaking.
The rebuilt aftermarket one was different enough to throw off the computer. The shop I took it to gutted the case of the original one, put the guts of the new one in it, and that's what did the trick. Odd, but it worked. Apparently there is a pin or something that is different on the new ones.