car problem question

[SupermanXx]

The red "low battery" light came in on my dash yesterday and the gauge of battery power was close to "L" and then my car finally wouldn't start

so this morning I checked the alternator and it was putting out a normal 14volts... I go to autozone to buy a new battery and they put it in. Unfortunately, it fixes nothing, as the battery light is still on and gauge is in the same position... they check the alternator with the new battery and it's at 12.4 volts this time...

any help would be appreciated... I know there are some car guys on this forum

I should also mention that my fan belt (serpentine??) is almost broken, I just noticed that yesterday... it's like, part of it is tearing and it might be stiff... I bought a new one today and haven't put it on yet

 

[DMOB]

My guess, its your alternator.

 

[SupermanXx]

well I'm hoping it's just the belt b/c mine is really worn and I heard that's a common cause of my symptoms

 

[DMOB]

Its possible, does it have a belt tensioner or do you have to adjust it manually?

 

[SupermanXx]

not sure I haven't had a good look at it yet, but it's a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT, 4 wheel drive, V6 SOHC if that helps

 

[DMOB]

Yeah, it probably has a tensioner....I still think it needs an alternator. Replace the belt though since it needs it and see what happens. I have never seen a tensioner go bad, but you never know.

 

[Mavs Man]

My guess is that it's the alternator. I actually had to switch mine out over the weekend (96 Ford Ranger) after putting in a new battery (to no avail, though it was due one anyways).

 

[Viper]

Sounds like you already solved your problem, the serpentine belt doesn't have enough tension. However if this doesn't work, than I would change the alternator.

 

[the kid 05]

give it a good old kick, its how we fix fords out here jk but yah i'd agree with the belt first, altenator second route, dont need to spend big money if you dont need to right

 

[Kendo]

Might want to check the engine ground as well.

 

[CF74]

I've seen a tensioner go bad, it could be that the alternator isn't getting cranked properly even though it shows some volts. Change the belt and start from there..

 

[Yeagermeister]

A 5lb bag of sugar poured in to the gas tank will help it run better :laugh1:

 

[Mavs Man]

A 5lb bag of sugar poured in to the gas tank will help it run better :laugh1:

Don't forget sawdust!

 

[cbfan55]

A 5lb bag of sugar poured in to the gas tank will help it run better :laugh1:

Thats just wrong and funny:laugh2:

 

[SupermanXx]

A 5lb bag of sugar poured in to the gas tank will help it run better :laugh1:

I tried your suggestion and now my engine is making funny noises

 

[ROMOSAPIEN9]

It's you battery terminals. They are SUPER easy to replace.

 

[silverbear]

A 5lb bag of sugar poured in to the gas tank will help it run better :laugh1:

It seems to me the problem is pretty clear, the ash trays are full...

This is precisely the reason why my Dad always made a point of trading his cars in before that happened...

 

[SupermanXx]

update: changed the belt, no improvement. changed the alternator, problem solved

thanks guys for the replies!