1997 Explorer Possible Electrical Issue

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Jun 27, 2011 | 11:10 AM

kailor

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Tuned

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From: huntsville, alabama

1997 Explorer Possible Electrical Issue

My brother has a 1997 Explorer that is having electrical issues. His car acted dead so I jumped it off. After removing the jumper cables, he turned on his headlights and the car died. Next time, After removing the jumper cables, he turned on his AC and the car died. If the jumper cables remain connected, his car continues to run whether he turns on the headlights or AC. His battery is 2 weeks old. His alternator is 1.5 months old. Also, with his car running and the jumper cables not connected, we removed the positive battery cable and the car kept running so we don't believe it is the alternator.

Any suggestions/help is greatly appreciated.
Keith - member of Expedition Forum.

Jun 27, 2011 | 01:00 PM

shorod

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From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Do you have a multimeter so you can make some basic measurements? Just because the battery is new does not mean that it cannot be defective. But, before condemning the battery, you need to make sure the connections to it are clean and tight. Even though it's not recommended with a modern computer-controlled vehicle to disconnect the cable from the battery to test the alternator, that likely confirms that the other end of the battery cables are clean and tight. However, if you didn't turn on the lights or A/C, that still doesn't confirm the alternator is able to supply enough current to keep the charging system going. A few quick measurements with a multimeter will answer a lot of questions.

-Rod

Jun 27, 2011 | 01:08 PM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

Complete charging system diagnosis.

You can get one for free at napa. They will hook it up to your explorer. You start the thing and they will test alternator and battery.

One or both maybe bad.

Jun 27, 2011 | 01:45 PM

kailor

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Tuned

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From: huntsville, alabama

Thanks for the quick responses. Both terminals are clean and tight.

Jun 27, 2011 | 05:45 PM

aquanaut20

Cargo Master

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From: BC Canada

Use a meter and quit guessing... Philip

Jun 27, 2011 | 07:52 PM

kailor

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Tuned

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From: huntsville, alabama

Thanks aquanaut20!

Jun 28, 2011 | 06:53 PM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

A quick look at the charge circuit wiring diagram would tell you to check mini fuse 6. It's labeled "Generator/voltage regulator" It's under the hood in the power dist box.