Electrical Problem

[bgcountry01]

I have a 2004 Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 and was driving it the other day and all of a sudden my radio went dead, my power windows stopped working, my gas gauge dropped to empty, and the check engine light came on.

I have checked all of the fuses, cab and engine compartment, and they are fine. Someone said that the alternator was going bad because everything that stopped working are 'high drain devices' so power cuts out to them to preserve the battery. I had the local auto store check the alternator while still in the vehicle and it came out normal (13.96V charge under load and no load). That seems a little low to me, I am used to around 14.2V.

I don't know what else to try and would appreciate some help.

Thanks,
R

 

[muzzymaniac]

My alt went a couple of months ago. My battery light would flicker under heavy acceleration, never experienced your problems though. I've heard the alts on these are built like crap. Mine killed the battery and deprogrammed my keys. If it is your alt fix it before it goes. total for mine was just under $500 because I had it towed to the dealer. Would have only been $150 if I did it myself before the PATS issue.

Oh and Autozone and a local shop both told be my charging system was fine. The shop did say (after I told them about the batt light) that the issue was definitely the alt.

 

[jpserra]

It is a fuse, just not the one you think. It is a "control module" fuse and it takes out a whole bunch of equipment on one string; gas gauge, windows, moon roof, radio, dash lights. I looked for 4 hours, then paid a local automotive electrical company $42 and they used a toned continuity checker and found it in 15 minutes. I will be purchasing one of these.

Strange that none of the fuses for any of the other "specific" items on the list were responsible. Very frustrating. It is the control module (don't know the number) on the in-cab fuse panel.

JP

 

[bgcountry01]

Thanks! I will check that out tonight after work.

R

 

[bgcountry01]

You were right. Fuse #17 (15A) Delay Accessories Relay Coil. Thanks again.

R

 

[elliotg]

my whole wiring harnes melted from the passenger sun shade down to fuse box. Similar problem but has extended further