Starter or Alternator

1996 FORD EXPLORER

160,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

EICHELBJ

MEMBER
2 POSTS
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I was driving the speedometer, radio and blinkers stopped working and then the car died. Now it will not start and makes a repetitive clicking noise in the engine. Is this an alternator and/or starter problem?

did the alternator fail causing the battery to drain and shut off?

Oct 16, 2009 at 9:41 PM

SQM

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It does sound like a fault alternator. First thing you should do is have the alternator tested. If you can jump the car then check the output voltage while the car is running. It should be 13-14V. If it is below that then alternator is likely to be faulty.

Here is a video of alternator test:

https://youtu.be/Z-p4dMJUpUw

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Jul 15, 2021 at 1:47 PM

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