UK 1997 Explorer with electrical problems.

[derek griffiths]

Hi Everyone, I have been a member of this site for some time and I have found lots of helpful information on how to maintain my UK Ford Explorer.
I am hoping that someone can help me out with my current problem.
I recently purchased a replacement battery for my Explorer from an internet company, it arrived quickly and I fitted it to the car. Unfortunately I had not realised that the positive and negative terminals were the wrong way around and consequently I blew the electrics. A stupid mistake but one that I can hopefully rectify.
I have changed all blown fuses and most things are now fine, the engine starts and runs well. However, the stereo does not work even though all fuses are good and the battery charging light is on all of the time. It appears that the alternator is not charging the battery.
I have read a number of posts regarding similar problems and I believe the problem may be rectified by changing the bridge rectifier on the alternator, changing the alternator completely or finding something called a fused link.
The new battery is still in good condition and fully charged.
I would be very grateful for some advice on this problem, before I spend £130 on a new alternator.
Cheers……Derek

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the UK Explorer owners section.

 

[Howard]

You have blown the rectifier in the alternator and probably blown the stereo too. Replace those and you should be good to go.

Welcome to our world.

 

[derek griffiths]

Thanks to the moderator for moving my thread to the right forum, first one I have posted and got it wrong!

Thanks Howard, any ideas where I can get a regulator in the UK, I did look and found them for everything but the Explorer.

Cheers

Derek

 

[Howard]

I have no idea where to get just the regulator. You could try Justin in newport for a secondhand unit or Chrisquelch on here or http://www.startermotor-alternator-store.co.uk/ford-explorer-40-50-alternator-112946-5408-p.asp here is a new one.

 

[derek griffiths]

Many Thanks Howard, Chris has been in touch. I am having mine tested tomorrow and if economical, repaired. If this turns out to be a poor option I will take Chris up on his offer.

 

[derek griffiths]

Just posting to thank everyone for their help with my electrical problem (including all of the great posts I have found on this great forum). It has taken some months and three second hand/reconditioned alternators to resolve my problems. My explorer is now very well and very fit, with no charging problems.
In actual fact, I have just put the explorer back on the road after a 3 year park up and I had some other issues to resolve. The car is now immaculate and drives like new, I am the third owner and I bought the explorer off a friend when he was leaving the UK for Canada, in 2005. An interesting fact is that the first owner was Mark Schwarzer, the Australian International, Fulham and ex-Middlesbrough Goal keeper.
Anyway, I have learnt a lot about some of the problems the Explorer has and I intend to write a full report with Photographs etc., as soon as I have time. I am not sure if I will need to become an elite explorer to post my report.
Cheers to everyone and in particular Howard!

 

[Howard]

Well done.

Will we see you at Ford Fair?

 

[ihpj]

Cheers to everyone and in particular Howard!

Been there and experienced that first hand myself

ChrisQ and Justin are two top blokes for bits - can't praise them enough!

Glad you got it all sorted in the end

 

[derek griffiths]

Howard, let me know about the Ford Fairs, when and where they are and it is a distinct possibility.

 

[Howard]

Here you are. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312271 Hope you can make it.

 

[derek griffiths]

Hi Howard, I have a DVD service information DVD/Data disc for the Explorer and the Expedition (plus other ford cars)
It covers cars from 1996 – 1999 and includes; workshop manuals, wiring diagrams and power control and emissions diagnostics.
I use this disc/programme, all of the time to help me with sorting issues with my Explorer.
I bought this disc about 4 years ago on Ebay and it is the information that was supplied to main dealers for the Explorer, the Expedition and other ford cars.
I think this is old information, so I think I should be able to give it to other Serious Explorer members but I am not sure.
Let me know if you think this would be ok from a copyright point of view.

 

[derek griffiths]

To everyone on this most important site and to all of those who have helped me with my work on my UK Explorer……….
I am intending to become a “Serious Explorer”, because I am? And I would love to share photos of my Explorer and my experiences!
I have also learnt a lot about the electrics on the Explorer, so that will be good to share?
Also, as I have mentioned before, I have the Ford interactive DVD, workshop manual for the Explorer, the Ranger and other models. This is DVD has all diagrams, codes and interactive diagnostic information; it was issued to all Ford garages to support the Explorer from when it was first introduced. I can copy the disc (I think) for the cost of a new disc plus postage etc. I think this should be around £5. I do not want to infringe copyright, I bought this many years ago and it helps me all of the time to understand the technical information that I need for the Explorer.
Let me know if you are interested in having a copy of this disc.
Cheers……Derek

 

[chrystal]

I would be interested - need a decent wiring diagram!!

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

sorry to hijack thread but im down by the sea front at 7.30 on saturday near the casino with my crusing buddys, if your near to it i could try to help you out. its just a suggestion lol

 

[Stenasev]

Let me know if you are interested in having a copy of this disc.
Cheers……Derek

Hi,

Do you have a more specific description of the disc contents or better yet some screenshots? There are a few discs out there and I wouldn't want to buy something that I've already got!

SS

 

[derek griffiths]

Hi drop me an email and I will send you some further info!
derek.griffiths@admsystems.org.uk
Cheers.....