Check charging system

2003 FORD EXPLORER
99,945 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MJP150
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
After driving my SUV for two or three short 3-5 mile trips, the "Check Charging System" indicator light will come on after starting the vehicle. It never comes on when starting cold. And it usually never comes on after starting it after the first trip, only after the second or third trip. And usually, after I shift into "Drive" and begin to move forward, the "Check Charging System" light will go off immediately, and stay off.

Please Help!!! I really don't want to replace properly functioning parts.

Thank you!

Matt Pusateri
Sep 11, 2019 at 3:09 PM
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DANNY L
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

With you car running the alternator should be putting out 13.5-14.5 volts. If you don't have access to a voltmeter to test yourself you can remove the alternator and take to your local auto parts store to be tested for free. Here are a few tutorials showing what is involved:

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


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

Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Sep 11, 2019 at 3:30 PM