Charging system issues

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Sep 24, 2013 | 05:38 AM

skingrey

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Joined: May 2013

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Charging system issues

2005 Explorer XLT 4WD 4.0 6 cyl. While driving home, battery light flickered accompanied with audible tone with check charging system message. Battery voltage indicator does indicate a drop in voltage. The alarm is more rapid when below 900 rpm and at idle. I check battery with multimeter, while running at idle, I got a slow drop in voltage. No drop when engine is off. Battery connections are good, new spark plugs installed 2 months ago. I'm thinking alternator went bad on me but would like a second or several opinions. All suggestion are apprecited and welcomed. Thanks in advance.

Last edited by skingrey; Sep 24, 2013 at 06:11 AM. Reason: additional information

Sep 24, 2013 | 06:20 PM

Graygeorge

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You should be getting a 13+ volts when idling.

Sep 24, 2013 | 08:20 PM

steve(ill)

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WOuld help to know the voltage, but by your description it sounds like alternator failure. "Average" life is about 150K miles, some longer, some shorter. Check all cables for corrosion, tight clamps... then look at new alternator.