Major electrical problem, need help fast. | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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Major electrical problem, need help fast.

pickardracing

Member
Joined
September 17, 2004
Messages
24
Reaction score
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City, State
Manitowoc, WI
Year, Model & Trim Level
91 XLT
Lately ive been having this weird problem like someone throws a switch in the truck and all of a sudden the battery light comes on and the lights dim and the truck drops voltage to about 9-10 volts. Normal is around 14.

Last night i let the truck run while i shoveled snow and when i got to it the lights were dimmer than ever so i moved it up into its parking space, and shut it off. Wouldnt start back up without a jump.

Now it sits dead. Whats the deal? Voltage Regulator? Alternator? I assumed it wasnt the alternator due to the fact that it didnt fall on its face right away.

Need help bad. its my only transprotation.
 



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Check the alternator. If the alternator goes bad the truck will still run on battery power until it is completely discharged.
 






I've seen something similar from a bad connection at the battery. Cables tight? Cables in good condition?
 


















I belive the regulator is built in, but I'm not positive. The Explorers have a bad habit of the battery cables getting corroded 8 inches or even a foot down inside the cable. Other than that have the alternator tested.
 






Don't forget to take a quick look at the engine ground strap (attached near the wiper motor on the firewall)-- I'm pretty sure that's the only way your charging system is grounded.
 






Good points, If you can get your hands on a multi meter check the battery cables for resistance. this will be easier to do than you think and probably cost you less than swapping parts for nothing. Cause if the alt went you will be dead. if the battery is shorting, same deal. If you need help trouble shooting with a multimeter, do some research here or ask how to use it. Bad cables are pretty easy to find if you have a multimeter. Dan
 






radio shack has a multimeter with lifetime warranty for like $20.
It is common for: voltage regulator/alternator to fail
From what you describe this is my first guess.
Basically something is causing your battery to not get a full charge at idle.
This is either wiring, alternator, or battery cables.

First gen battery cables go bad, its really not that hard or expensive to replace them, basically its the black lead from the battery, goes to 3- small wires, then one big strap directly to the frame and then back to the side of the engine block.
Looking at the cable will not always reveal the problem, internal corrosion.

You can remove the alternator (2 wiring plugs, 4 bolts, and belt tensioner) take it down to auto parts store and have it tested, or you can test it in the truck.

You can upgrade to a FAR superior alternator buy getting one made for a later model 5.0L explorer....search for details...

Autozone also has a 90A replacement rebuilt somewhere not in america (guaranteed) with a lifetime warranty for like $90, but after 4 of those I finally got wise and upgraded.
Also a local alternator shop can usualy swap you a rebuild for under $100 in about 30 minutes..
 






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