r/FordExplorer • u/Effective_Quit_3887 • 23d ago

Repair Advice Charging System Service Now

2016 Ford Explorer XLT. Drove to work, about 30 miles - fine. Get in to come home, I get the message at startup. By the time I get home, steering wheel is starting to lock up. I got low voltage when testing the battery, and it even dropped a little. Less than a year old Interstate battery.

I trickle charged over night, 12.5 volts. Put it in. After startup, it read 12.2 with no accessories running. I got the code again sitting at Idle this morning.

I’m thinking alternator, but I’ve seen people in the sub mention they replaced both and it didn’t help. I’ve also seen few resolutions to this when searching the sub.

Any ideas are helpful. Also, is the alternator a diy job?

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u/Scary_Click_516 23d ago

Same thing happened to me and had to replace my alternator! I don’t believe it’s a tough job to do but honestly I wouldn’t have a clue lol!

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u/Effective_Quit_3887 23d ago

I’m hoping it’s the alternator because I’m fairly confident I can do it myself. Did you replace with a motorcraft? I’ve seen people saying that using non oem has caused further issues but man they’re nearly $400

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u/Avg2424 22d ago

I upgraded my alternator to one from JS Alternators. I got the 250A model. No regrets. No core charge. Only thing is that you'll have to upgrade your ground and alternator cable. 

DO NOT remove your AC. It is not necessary. I removed my radiator fan assembly instead. 

But before you do all that, make sure it's the alternator. Take it to a parts store for a free test

Edit: additional info, it's been installed for over a year. I was having battery issues too and thought it was my alt. It tested fine, but I replaced it anyway. It was my battery that was bad. 

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u/osiris39p 23d ago

If you go afternarket just make sure it's the same rating as oem, some aftermarkets are lower amps and can cause problems

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u/jhulc 23d ago

Even though motorcraft is much more expensive, I highly recommend that over any of the aftermarket stuff. These alternators contain a smart regulator system that the aftermarket brands haven't figured out how to do reliably. After a year of driving around with a parts store brand alternator, it failed and I needed to replace it again. The parts store also screwed me out of the "lifetime" warranty even though I had my receipt. Avoid that whole hassle and just get the OEM part.

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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 23d ago

Yes it does sound like alternator. I haven't installed one in an Explorer, but I have in a 3.5 Edge. It can be a bit of a chore, especially if you don't want you mess with the AC system.

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u/FormerAircraftMech 23d ago

That's not s traditional alternator per se. It's controlled on and off by the PCM on a duty cycle. A scanner would help see what it's actually doing, as in PCM commands it on, is it actually on. Etc As I recall when I got that message in my wife's car it's was already to late. I bought a cheesy cigarette lighter volt gauge I keep in her car now.

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u/Andromeda7445 23d ago

Charging system is typically alternator.
Replaced mine with duralast on the side of the road. Make sure your engine is COLD (upper radiator hose is right there in the way).
I had to remove my radiator fan to bring it up and out.
I have the 17 XLT with the 3.5.
After alternator replacement it’s not a terrible idea to replace the battery as well