Im new here so first off....Hi!
The other day I found a 97 Ford Explorer xlt(6cyl) online for sale.
I went today and test drove it around the block a few times and all was fine.
I bought it and when on the highway driving home the abs and battery light come one.Then the 4wd light flicers on and off but for the most part was off.
As this is all happing the engine is getting louder to me.
I was told when i bought the car the exhaust made noise over bumps but this sounded like the fan or something rattling.
I finally make it home(after pooing my pants) and shut her down.I try to start up again and get nothing but a click.I get in my house and eat and after 20 minutes came out.It started right up again but again engine is loud and the abs/battery light is on the dash.I notice the voltage needle is all the way down and the blinkers while working on the outside wasnt showing on the dash.Turn headlights on which worked fine and notice the dash doesn't illuminate.I shut it down d/c the battery for like 5 minutes.Car wont start.
I was told the car was sitting for a while so I'm hoping its just the battery.When started it doesnt stall so ill assumes the alternator is ok.
Also noticed the stereo going on and off on its own.
As far as the engine noise im hoping its just something like the fan not getting enough juice.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice.....tommorow is another day.

 

Interesting is definitely the word for it! let us know what you find.

 

Sounds like you have electrical problems. I suggest checking all battery related connections. Don't forget the grounds. When you say it won't start, does it crank, and is it getting fuel? Unfortunately, since you unhooked the battery, whatever codes may have been stored are gone. When you get it running again, I suggest pulling the codes after you drive it for a while.

Did you buy it from a dealer or private owner?

 

No just a click.But after 20 minutes starts right up.Just put in a brand new battery and same issue but notice with the hood open the alteranter is making a load of noise.So guess its thats now.

 

I suggest checking your battery cables closely. If you have a hot battery and you're having intermittent starting (click) problems it can be a corroded cable. Cables can corrode from the inside out so they may look fine externally. Have one person turning the key, and another person putting pressure (pulling/pushiing) on the cables. This could also be a bad solenoid, but since you are having other electrical problems I'd focus on the cables.

Once it's running use a voltmeter to check the output of the alternator before replacing it.

 

Ok just got in.
I put a voltmeter on and it came up 11.3 and of course when i put on headlights it dropped.
Since the new battery there is no abs light just the battery light and the voltage needle buried.
I drove it around and after i parked it shut it down.
Started right up but REAL loud rattling in the engine.
I open the hood and can hear clear as day it was from the alternator.
Guess ill look up prices for one.
Wish it wasn't raining or i would change it today.

 

11.3 volts???? No wonder it wont start.

A good fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts engine off.

Engine cranking it should stay above 10.5 volts.

Engine running & you should see around 14 volts.

Like Marragtop mentioned check the voltage when it's running.

If all you see when it's running is battery voltage, check mini fuse 6 under the hood in the power dist box.

If it's blown it wont charge.

 

Get that battery disconnected ASAP and hooked up to a charger. It will be killed in short order at 11.3 volts

 

well the 11.3 volts is when its running. So there is no doubt its the altanater.
I found one for $109. Gonna pick it up today.
not to mention the rattling from the old one.

 

I replaced the alternator and although the engine didn't rattle as before the battery light was still on and the needle buried.
I checked the fuses and the #6 was blown.I replaced it and all is perfect.
Car is driving great and quiet.
I would have been pissed if this was all over a 15v fuse but I knew the loud noise was from the alternator so im glad I bought it.
Thanks for all the advice