Voltage question

[bizzs]

2003 explorer xlt. Wife was driving truck and said that the gas gauge went to "E" and voltage dropped to "L". The truck was still running and she pulled over because the motor had no power. She shut truck off and tried to restart but it just clicked finding battery dead.

I think it is the alternator, but I am looking for anyone that had a similar problem, and what did you do to trouble shoot?

Thanks
bizzs

 

[TechGuru]

Yep, sounds like the alternator died.

I'd replace it with a 100% new BOSCH AL7543N.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=501298

Also if the battery is really old I would consider replacing it at the same time:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MOT2/BXT65850/03321.oap

 

[kryhavoc]

just a small cost saver... Home Depot may carry Auto batteries in their stores where you live.. they do here in Florida.

Exide group 65 battery with 40 month replacement warranty is 99$ compared to the Motorcraft at Oreillys for 156$

Rockauto is awesome for prices on car parts... can't recommend better there!

 

[imp]

2003 explorer xlt. Wife was driving truck and said that the gas gauge went to "E" and voltage dropped to "L". The truck was still running and she pulled over because the motor had no power. She shut truck off and tried to restart but it just clicked finding battery dead.

I think it is the alternator, but I am looking for anyone that had a similar problem, and what did you do to trouble shoot?

Thanks
bizzs

Check the battery first. If you have none, get or borrow a voltmeter. Measure the battery voltage. If over 12 volts, look for trouble elsewhere. Motor having no power is UNRELATED to battery quality, IMO. Confirm complaints before diagnosing.

 

[TechGuru]

just a small cost saver... Home Depot may carry Auto batteries in their stores where you live.. they do here in Florida.

Exide group 65 battery with 40 month replacement warranty is 99$ compared to the Motorcraft at Oreillys for 156$

Rockauto is awesome for prices on car parts... can't recommend better there!

Be aware that batteries of the same group across different brands do not necessarily have the same specs. I've seen Walmart with 850CA and Duralast of the same with 1000CA. The regular line $99 Exide is only 780CA. You have to get the Platnum/Premium line to get 1000CA.
http://www.batterysales.com/exide.cfm

Also, Oreilly tends to really mark-up stuff. I would check a Ford Dealer, they might actually be cheaper on the Motorcraft battery.

Also might consider upgrading to a AGM (Advanced Glass Matt) battery if one has added tons of accessories and lights.

http://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...ry/duralast-platinum-battery/319465_929779_0/

 

[TechGuru]

Check the battery first. If you have none, get or borrow a voltmeter. Measure the battery voltage. If over 12 volts, look for trouble elsewhere. Motor having no power is UNRELATED to battery quality, IMO. Confirm complaints before diagnosing.

It seems pretty obvious to me that the alternator died (in some way or another whether it be a fuse, cable or the alt itself) and then the battery got drained. Of course the vehicle isn't going to have much power as the voltage gets too low to maintain proper fuel pressure, spark voltage, etc. I've experienced this before on a different vehicle years ago.

 

[bizzs]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Voltage was at 11 volts and motor stalled out when cables were removed from battery. I replaced the alternator and voltage increased back up to 14.9 volts charging the battery. Installation was about 15 minutes and problem was solved. The Alternator was purchased at advance auto with a 40 off coupon costing me $90.00.

bizzs

 

[TechGuru]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Voltage was at 11 volts and motor stalled out when cables were removed from battery. I replaced the alternator and voltage increased back up to 14.9 volts charging the battery. Installation was about 15 minutes and problem was solved. The Alternator was purchased at advance auto with a 40 off coupon costing me $90.00.

bizzs

Driveworks Reman? I'm sure that's a Chinese special. Only a 1 year warranty too. Good luck.

Or was it the Carquest Reman?

Either way, when it comes to alternators I'd stick with new (not reman) Bosch, Remy, or Motorcraft.

 

[imp]

It seems pretty obvious to me that the alternator died (in some way or another whether it be a fuse, cable or the alt itself) and then the battery got drained. Of course the vehicle isn't going to have much power as the voltage gets too low to maintain proper fuel pressure, spark voltage, etc. I've experienced this before on a different vehicle years ago.

Very interesting! I've never experienced a low voltage condition in any of the work I've done with EFI cars, so never really thought about it. Early days, there was still enough spark to continue running if voltage dropped to 8 volts, but not so with computers! Thanks for the heads up! imp

 

[rocco123]

Curious of how many miles? I've Checked my brushes a couple times and still not even half way worn

 

[TechGuru]

Curious of how many miles? I've Checked my brushes a couple times and still not even half way worn

It's usually the diodes that die first.

 

[rocco123]

It's usually the diodes that die first.

Yea, had bad diodes on my old Taurus a few years ago.