Check Charging system failure

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Jun 11, 2013 | 08:29 PM

haskell80

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Check Charging system failure

I have a 2003 mercury mountaineer 4.6L AWD. The other day it died at the grocery store and now won't start. All it has is the check charging system warning light on. Changed Alternator, battery and starter already and still nothing. It does start sometimes but i need to give it gas to keep it running. Hoping someone can help me with this? Thanks

Jun 11, 2013 | 10:28 PM

shorod

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From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Welcome to the forum!

Have you checked the voltage at the battery prior to starting and once running? It sounds like you'd need to have someone else either make the measurement or keep the engine running.

-Rod

Jun 13, 2013 | 12:58 AM

haskell80

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I haven't checked the voltage on the battery. I've tried two different batteries and the same result. just keeps turning without firing up.

Jun 13, 2013 | 06:45 AM

shorod

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When you've been able to get the truck started has the "Check charging system" indication remained, or does that go away once running? Since it sounds like the starting is cranking the engine over fine, but the engine doesn't easily start or remain running on it's own, the charging system/battery is probably not the issue, or at least not the only issue. It sounds like you also should be checking the condition of the spark plugs, the intake air system, as well as the fuel pressure at the fuel rail when the engine won't start.

-Rod

Jun 13, 2013 | 06:47 AM

explorerjwd

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The engine turns over but does not fire up. So you changed alternator, battery and starter already and still nothing. If it does fire up, you have to give it gas to keep it running. I don't think the alternator, battery and/or starter have anything to do with the problem. You should start looking elsewhere for the problem. If you have to give it gas to keep it running maybe you will find the problem in the fuel delivery system. Also if you have to give it gas to keep it running it sounds like the ignition system is not the problem.

Rod - You were two minutes ahead of me with your post. Our posts are similar and I have tried to delete my post but the system won't let me.

Best,
Jim

Jun 13, 2013 | 11:05 PM

shorod

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From: Cedar Rapids, IA

No reason to try to delete either of our posts, the similarity should help drive the points home.

-Rod

Jun 14, 2013 | 03:56 PM

haskell80

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Hi thanks,

Dug a little deeper, turns out the rockers on one side are busted and the valve covers are bent. Tried a pressure text and air just comes out of the intake. Needless to say I am not happy, was hoping it would be something simple.