Alternator not charging

Hello, I'm Danny.

I suggest that you should have your alternator load tested to see if the output is sufficient. It might be weak or failing. Auto parts stores will test it for free. Here are a few tutorials showing how to remove and replace the serpentine belt to gain access to the alternator as well as how to remove and replace the alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

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

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

I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace both the serpentine belt and alternator on your car for proper testing and replacement. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros

Hi Danny.

Okay, these pictures aren't accurate the vehicle in question is a 2004 Mercury Saber. the alternator is located on the bottom of the motor back by the fire wall. access to it is all most impossible unless you take all the stuff that sets on top of it. okay, now for what has been done all ready. so far 2 reconditioned alternators have been replaced. the original replacement failed the test at O'reillys auto parts where the alternator was purchased. now the second alternator was bench tested and passed. the second alternator was replaced and the battery will stay charged some times and it will drain down some times. if i could find the field wire. up on top some where i could make a test. i can't find a wire diagram to help me. in fact i can't find any assistance on this car.

Hello again.

I've attached picture steps below for alternator replacement on a V6 DOHC- dual overhead cam engine in a Sable. The last picture is a wiring diagram for the charging system circuits. Here is a tutorial showing how to test wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if this helps better than the last picture steps. I personally tend to stay away from remanufactured parts like alternators due to defects and always pay a little more and buy new. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Hi again.

I will have to agree that new is better. however, the wife bought it and had installed by a friend who has a shop with a lift. he did both alt installs. now i'm left wit trouble shooting the side effects of these installs. i don't have the a voltage leak detector so everything will have to be done with a test light and hand held voltage meter. thanks for the wire diagram. i wont be removing the alternator if it has to be replaced the same fellow will do it. now it has been brought to my attention that the cars computer may have to be reprogramed or reset to the factory settings. i have never heard of such a thing. but i'm an old school mechanic with little or no modern electronics to help me out. so i'm stuck with my freddie flintstone diagnostic tools. being test light and jumper wires. ill wait for this to be answered. now i get to see why the car runs like shit, checking coils and spark plugs. got to love it.

Hello again.

Glad to hear the second set of diagrams helped. Having the alternator replaced will have nothing to do with the PCM needing to be reprogrammed or reset to factory settings. Keep us updated and let us know what you find with the electrical testing. Let us also know if you need any other diagrams. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.. Happy Holidays.

Danny-