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Charging light came on intermittently. For about two weeks?

Tiny
BOBBYPARAGON
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD TAURUS
  • 90 MILES
Charging light came on intermittently. For about two weeks. Seemed to come on spontaneously then go off with a braking movement. Then one morning it behaved as if the battery was dead. Starting solenoid clicking, etc.. Recharged it at an auto shop and an hour later a load test showed it was at 63%. Replaced the battery. Seemed to work fine for a day. The next day. I used the car and towards the end of the day the battery appeared to be low again. Funny clicking sounds for the instrument cluster, lights were dim, crazy warning signals come on and off; check breaks, air bag, etc. Turn signals weak, heating/cooling sys wouldn't come on. Then the engine died.

Haven't checked any fuses or the charging system. Could the battery be draining through a short? Or is it some tiny disconnect, split wire, connector, wiring harness, etc. That's behaving badly.
How do I dope it out. What and where should be checked next?
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Sunday, October 20th, 2013 AT 9:38 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Charge the battery an start it up and see what the battery reads at the battery?Then we will check all the power inputs into the alternator.
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Sunday, October 20th, 2013 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
BOBBYPARAGON
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  • 8 POSTS
OK. I charged the battery. Then promptly isolated it. I've found that as long as I charge and isolate it will RUN for a while about 15 minutes before it dies.

I check the in-circuit voltage before I started it this a.M. 12.4 Volts. When I started it and warmed up, with everything ON, A/C blower, lights, radio, etc. The voltage dropped to about 11.6.

I'm going to take it in to AutoZone for a diagnosis. Since I don't believe it's the battery which was installed three days ago.

I'll let you know what the diagnosis results are ASAP!

With your experience and my tenacity. WE can do this ! ! !
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Monday, October 21st, 2013 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
BOBBYPARAGON
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Ran the diagnosis in car test at AutoZone. Battery checked out at 100% When charging test was attempted. Display indicated '" battery voltage too low to perform".

I suspect their something in the Alternator circuit, maybe the diode array is shot. AutoZone told me I'd have to pull the alternator to get it checked out. I will do that shortly. But isn't their a replacement diode array that can be plugged into the alternator?

What do you suggest?

With your experience and my tenacity. WE can do this ! ! !
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Monday, October 21st, 2013 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The diode will not cause too low of charging volts the regulator and the windings brushes etc will.I have been at my church all day doing maintaince as soon as I get home I will get you the voltage input checks to the alternator. Most likely a bad alternator that needs replaced.
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Monday, October 21st, 2013 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Alright with the key in the run position the orange wire with the yellow stripe should have battery voltage also the yellow wire with the white stripe should have artery voltage and the green wire with a yellow stripe should have battery voltage?
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Monday, October 21st, 2013 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
BOBBYPARAGON
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I pulled the alternator this afternoon. Will get it checked at AutoZone tomorrow a.M. Is it possible that the alternator operation was drawing current rather than producing it?

Didn't see any sign of burning, but it was clear for the wiring harness combing, etc. That it was thermally degrading but the car is 7 ears old. The connector plug wasn't burned however. If the alternator checks out OK. I'm really at a loss.

With your experience and my tenacity. WE can do this ! ! !
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Monday, October 21st, 2013 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Let me know how the alternator tests I gav you all the power inputs. The alternator isn't charging that's what I see is going on.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
BOBBYPARAGON
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The alternator test results .

Lamp/Diode Trio PASSED

Rectifier PASSED

Regulator FAILED <

They didn't have one on the shelf, but they're getting one from their warehouse later today.

I'm putting it in TONIGHT!

Any advice. On the re-install?
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 AT 9:47 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Not really just if it doesn't charge you will have to test all the power inputs like I suggested. Before leaving the store have them test the new alternator.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
BOBBYPARAGON
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  • 8 POSTS
The new alternator is in and operating fine. Thanks for your help.

With your experience and my tenacity. WE DID IT ! ! !
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Sounds good glad to hear its fixed that's what we like to hear. You're welcome.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 AT 10:17 PM

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