Alternator or battery

Tiny
TEMPER ERNEST
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 MERCURY SABLE
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
I replaced the alternator as well as getting a brand new battery and the car still will not work. I found a bright blue blocky looking cord that wasn’t attached to anything and feel that could maybe play a part in it. Any ideas?
Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 9:20 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,575 POSTS
Hi,

If the alternator and battery are new, what isn't working? Also, the blue thing you found, where is it located, and is it possible for you to take a pic of it and upload it for me to see?

If the starter isn't engaging, it could be several things. There are fuses, relays, the starter, and other things that can cause the starter to work. Take a look through this link if it is the starter not working:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If the starter engages and the engine doesn't start, take a look through this link. It describes the most common causes of a crank no start.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

I'm not sure what is happening. Let me know the specifics so I can better direct you.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
TEMPER ERNEST
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  • 3 POSTS
I’ve attached a picture of the blue chord. It’s located down by the alternator and that big tire. It doesn’t have much slack so it has to be something that plugs in around the alternator. I just bought a new alternator, and after I replaced it I jumped it and started it up because the battery was shot. So I went to buy a new battery and it worked for 1 day and then popped up a “check charging system” light and now it won’t start. It won’t click when I turn it over or anything.
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Saturday, June 26th, 2021 AT 8:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,575 POSTS
Hi.

The two plastic pins are to connect it to something. See if you can locate to holes that size and let me know where it's located (where it would have been attached). Also, let me know what color the wires under the insulation are. I can try to figure out what it goes to that way.

Next, see if it starts if you place it in neutral rather than park. There could be an issue with the transmission range sensor.

Next, I attached a pic below of the wiring schematic for the starting system. I highlighted two fuses I want you to check. In addition to checking the fuse, confirm there is power to and from them. Here is a link that you may find helpful:

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

If the fuses are good, then there is a starter relay located in the battery junction box. Switch it with a different relay having the same part number. If there isn't one, here is a link that shows how to test one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If the relay is good, then I need you to first locate the white wire with a pink tracer on the starter. It will be the smaller of the two. The red wire has 12v at all times, so be careful not to short it. The white/pink wire should only have power when the key is in the start position. I will need you to check for power to it so you will need a helper.

The remaining pics are to help you locate the fuses and relay. Note that pics 2 and 3 show the underhood battery fuse box, and pic 4 shows the smart junction box in the vehicle. I highlighted the fuses and relay to check.

Let me know what you find. Also, above is a link to help you with checking for power to the starter.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Saturday, June 26th, 2021 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
TEMPER ERNEST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I just finished doing all that with my dad and everything is intact. I tested the brand new battery I got with a multimeter and it was almost all the way dead and then I tested the old battery I pulled out that I thought was part of the issue and the battery is full from when I tried to charge it before buying a new one. Something is draining everything over night and I can’t point what it would be.
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Sunday, June 27th, 2021 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,575 POSTS
Hi,

We have a short at some point. If it drains the battery overnight, it certainly needs attention.

Let's start easy. Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let me know if anything in that helps.

Joe
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Sunday, June 27th, 2021 AT 9:27 PM

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