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2000 Mercury Mystique Repair Question


Topics covered: Battery, Engine, Alternator.
Mileage: 140,000 miles.

Asked on September 2, 2012

Is my alternator failing?

I have a 2000 mercury mystique that won't start unless I jump it off another vehicles charge. I have tested the battery and it's 100% so my next thought is the alternator. I can't drive it to a car parts store because it dies if I drive it after about 30 feet. Since an alternator is about $150 for the low end refurbished ones, I want to exhaust all other options before I pull it off just to test it. I don't have a voltmeter, but I do hear a whining from the front end when I turn on my headlights, radio etc. after jumping it off. Does this sound like it could be anything but an alternator issue?
Avatar Asked by thesmtritt

Answer

Replied on September 2, 2012

You can't expect to test anything or find the problem without test equipment. First of all, get an inexpensive digital voltmeter. Harbor Freight Tools has one for less than ten bucks that works perfectly fine.

Measure the battery voltage first with the engine off and holler back with that number.

With the engine running the battery voltage must be 13.75 to 14.75 volts. If it is low it won't be charging the battery. How are you determining the battery is fully charged? If it is you shouldn't need to jump-start it to start the engine.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,643 answers provided
Replied on September 2, 2012

With a 100 % battery , the only thing that can cause non cranking would be bad battery terminals or ground circuit connections.

Give them a check. Try using a jumper cable across the battery negative terminals and engine to see if it works.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
40,318 answers provided