Hi hoping someone has suggestions for my problem, actually my son's 2004 Explorer/4wd/ thought needed new alternator put in three ( in case one was bad) still wont hold charge. At idle the alternator is putting out 12.4V and when running that quickly drops until its dead. The battery is a year old ( got at dealer) and I believe they checked that the battery was good. Something is not telling alternator to put out enough juice. If he charges it and leaves it parked overnight it will hold the charge until he starts it then it drains. Checked starter connection, belts seem fine, checked for any loose wires dont see any. When this started the battery light indicator came on and is still on. Mechanic friend said sounds like something is shorting out and draining battery. Any ideas what I can check myself before I have to get it to a dealer and spend a lot of money?? Had auto store run a scan and of course battery was almost dead when I got there but suggests checking alternator which is already been replaced.I have detail of test if that would help, Im not sure what all data means. At bottom it says drain test 4.34A suspect Did got and buy a meter tester at harbor freight but not entirely sure how to use it to check fuses and such. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

Charge the battery completely. Start it and put a voltmeter on the battery terminals. See what it reads. Should read at least 14.5. Some vehicles will read more. If not, the alternator is bad.

 

Thanks will have him try that, just went out and after sitting all night it started right up thought he heard a squeaking of a belt though not sure if one is bad will check this first and post what happens, thanks!

 

well when charged it reads 12.86 obv not enough, it starts up fine, even after sitting all night the gage shows about 1/2 when u turn anything on it will drop a bit them go back up. Only totally dies if you try to drive it. Heard a bit of a noise in belt when starting, belt looks ok but not sure. Trying to check all fuses with meter but they arent quite sure how to read the meter, has a lot of markings on it Any more ideas?

 

Like I said, have bought three alternators thinking mabye first one was bad but what would be odds the third alt is no good? they are not brand new are re manufactured.....

 

I have seen that many bad ones. Make the parts store bench test the alternator before you take the next one.

 

Thanks Rusty, will give it another shot with a fourth one!

 

This is kinda locking the stable after the horse is gone, but if you can and $$$ permits better choice is a Ford remanufactured alternator form a Ford parts dept. Many "rebuilt " alternators come with problems especially for Fords.That said;
You do have a 4.34 Amp drain and you need to find it or it will keep draining the battery.
Have you been able to get familiar with your newly purchased meter yet?

 

Do they sell the alternators without actaully doing the installation? Its real easy to take out and put in ( thank God since three times have done that) My nephew is a mechanic and is stopping over he said possibly the battery is not good can they test that at a parts store also? My son is still trying to figure out the meter lol Thanks will keep u posted, appreciate your help

 

Most parts stores will test a battery free and so will walmart.