Check Charging System

hampton_25 · 11-18-2008, 02:56 PM

I have an 03 EB Expedition and for about 2 years now, since I have owned the vehicle, my check charging system has been going off, it doesn't stay consistently on, but it flashes rapidly and makes the beeping sound and flashes the battery light at the same time. The main time that it happens is when I am driving the vehicle with the heat or the air conditioning on. The voltage does not drop at all during this time frame, and when I put the truck into the test mode by pressing the info and setup buttons on the message center when starting the vehicle and checking the digital readout of the volts it reads right around 14 volts +/- .2volts. I have checked the belt and it has plenty of tension on it and it does not squeal.

I have had it in with Ford and they said everything is fine and they couldn't get the error to repeat. I took it to Advance Auto and they said that the battery and alternator are fine. I really am at a loss here, I am trying to diagnose this myself without Ford telling me the same thing. Has anyone else seen this problem or heard of it.

LastTudor · 11-18-2008, 03:06 PM

The fact that it flickers rapidly indicates that it's a very momentary problem. I'd check every hot connection I could. Some connection somewhere is breaking down under high demand. It could be at the alternator itself. Also, I think it's too brief for your digital readout to see it, so to speak. Besides, by the time it cycles through it's system checks, the problem is gone.

theoldwizard · 11-18-2008, 03:20 PM

14 volts +/- 0.2 volts means sometimes it is as low as 13.8, which is too low.

Everyone seems to have forgotten that there is a third component in charging system, the voltage regulator. It is bolted on to the back of the alternator, where the harness plugs in. This problems sounds like it could be in the regulator or one of the connections.

Here is something you might want to try, but, for safety, first disconnect the ground write from the battery. On the back of the alternator, there should be one heavy gauge wire connected to a post and then a connector with 4 or 5 other wires. Make certain the heavy wire's connection it tight. If it looks dirty/corroded undo the connection (this goes directly to the plus side of the battery so now you understand why I told you to disconnect the negative !), clean it (brass toothbrush), reassemble and apply some silicone dielectric grease.

Remove the other connector. Inspect the pins for signs of corrosion. Clean, apply dielectric grease and reassemble.

Make certain the regulator is bolted on tight as well.

last, reconnect the battery ground cable.

hampton_25 · 11-18-2008, 04:18 PM

Actually, I can run the system in test mode continously while I am driving the vehicle and get a constant digital readout of the voltage. Something I have found quite useful because when it is in this mode the annoying beep goes away, but I still get the alarm.

sedenfield · 12-26-2008, 04:52 PM

I own a 2004 Expedition. I first experienced this problem last year immediately after an oil change and check-up. There as no problem found during the check-up, but 1 mile down the road, the check charging system and battery light came on. I took the car back to the dealership and asked them to call me when they found out the problem. Later that day, I called the dealership to find out about my car. They had already replaced the alternator (without my consent). Now, one year later, I am having the same problem with the battery light flashing and the check charging system warning flashing and beeping. I replaced my battery in July. Again, I took my car to the dealership where they checked my battery and alternator and said they were fine. I asked if the warning could be disconnected. They said no. They then took my car down the road and came back and told me that I needed a new alternator! I was livid! I just had the alternator replaced one year prior to that! The service guy told me that I was over the miles for warranty (12000) and when I asked him about standing behind their work, he told me that the parts are man-made and things tear up! Although this dealership is 25 miles away from me, I have used them since I bought my car. Now I feel that I cannot trust them. Someone please advise me what to do about this annoying problem with the check charging system alarm continuously going off.

taz4x4150 · 12-26-2008, 05:46 PM

Do you have an AUTOZONE parts store near you? If so, take your vehicle to them and ask them to check battery and alternater (I would check starter too just for shits and giggles!) this is a FREE service they offer. Have them give you the good and bad news, also ask them to pull your OBD codes, this is another FREE service they offer, get more good and bad news. They are not allowed to take TIPS, but if you talk too the manager, the technition who helped you should get some credits toward a $$ bonus! THEN, I would go to your dealership with my info and ask to see a zone manager that you need to file a complaint!! I bet they will be glad to help!! GOOD LUCK

hampton_25 · 12-28-2008, 05:54 PM

I have been to Autozone numerous times and I get the same answer, alternator and battery are fine. Plus I will only get codes if I have a check engine light, and I don't have one of those.

taz4x4150 · 12-29-2008, 04:44 PM

I haven't had this experience with codes, but I have learned (on this forum) that you can have stored codes without the CEL being on. The only other thing I can recommend is to check the belt tensioner&pulley to see if it is keeping enuf tension on the belt to be effective, and also, check the condition of your belt. Is it worn or smooth/glazed?
GOOD LUCK

kevinf68 · 06-24-2009, 06:43 AM

Hampton_25, did you get resolution to this issue? I am having the same problem with my 2003 Expedition. It is quite annoying. I have changed the alternator and serpentine belt. Battery has tested good at AutoZone. This problem started as a random occurrance, with a beep and warning once in a while. It has grown into a steady beep and warning.

hampton_25 · 06-24-2009, 12:39 PM

No, still no luck with the issue. I am thinking it could be an ECU issue, but I am not 100% sure. My test is going to be to buy a used alternator for 44 dollars and install it. It has a lifetime warranty on it, so I figure I have nothing to lose. In the meantime I am using my old "Test Mode" trick to block the sound.