Alternator not working?

Tiny
IRT312
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD EXPLORER
I changed the alternator thinking the first one was defective and knowing the second could not be defective yet it's still not putting out any voltage. What could the problem be?
Sunday, July 27th, 2008 AT 9:22 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

These vehicles use fusible links in the alternator output circuit.
Depending on the amp rating of the alternator it could use one or two fusible links.

Fusible links are usually several wire gauge smaller than the circuit they protect.
This vehicle uses a gray 12-gauge wire fusible link.

If the link is bad than the alternator will not be able to charge the battery and the battery light will stay on. First check the fusible link. Also inspect the wire that goes from the alternator to the battery.

You also want to check the alternator output at the battery:

https://youtu.be/Z-p4dMJUpUw

Here are couple of helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

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

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Friday, July 30th, 2021 AT 6:49 AM

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