Anyone know about cars?

[PcTechynine]

I have a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. I have burned out 3 alternators in 3 months.

All of the alternators were stock from Ford Dealership themselves. 

Brand new battery installed.
Right after last installation i checked with a meter and car was around 11 volts and would never go up to 14. It was also reading voltage regulator failed even with a brand new stock alternator from Ford.
My lights and blower motor are constantly dimming.

I just had my 3rd alternator blow out with a "check charging system light" 

 

Any ideas are greatly appreciated

[minibois]

I don't know anything about cars, but if this thread fails to get you the desired answer, there is a (big) thread about cars on this forum:

 

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

7 minutes ago, PcTechynine said:

I have a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. I have burned out 3 alternators in 3 months.

All of the alternators were stock from Ford Dealership themselves. 

Brand new battery installed.
Right after last installation i checked with a meter and car was around 11 volts and would never go up to 14. It was also reading voltage regulator failed even with a brand new stock alternator from Ford.
My lights and blower motor are constantly dimming.

I just had my 3rd alternator blow out with a "check charging system light" 

 

Any ideas are greatly appreciated

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2006/ford/five_hundred/10376246.aspx

 

From doing a quick Google search, it seems to be a common problem with the wiring harness. 

[Gix7Fifty]

Are the battery ground wire(s) connected to the engine and or frame?

[3 Lions]

From the information you've given and from what I've found it sounds like something in the wiring loom is causing this, most likely the charge circuit. I suggest you take it to an auto-electrician for them to investigate the problem, however the diagnosis process could take a week+ which means you'll be without a car for a week+. If they do find something then I personally think they will advise on replacing the whole wiring loom which will be expensive and would mean another week or 2 without a car. 

[PcTechynine]

13 hours ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2006/ford/five_hundred/10376246.aspx

 

From doing a quick Google search, it seems to be a common problem with the wiring harness. 

You are talking about the battery cables going from battery to ground to alternator/starter?

[3 Lions]

10 minutes ago, PcTechynine said:

You are talking about the battery cables going from battery to ground to alternator/starter?

No, the whole charge circuit in the loom. 

[Canada EH]

just sell the vehicle asap

[dalekphalm]

15 hours ago, Canada EH said:

just sell the vehicle asap

Considering it's an '05, yeah I kind of agree with that.

 

What's the cost of having an automotive electrician diagnose and repair a wire harness issue? That could cost thousands, and for an '05 vehicle, I question how much the car is even worth.

[wasab]

If I know a thing or two about cars, I wouldnt have to go to expensive mechanics. 

[3 Lions]

1 hour ago, wasab said:

If I know a thing or two about cars, I wouldnt have to go to expensive mechanics. 

Look I know I'm biased because I'm studying motor vehicle maintenance at college but vehicle maintenance and repair is easier than you think. Many people think motor vehicle maintenance/repair is difficult and you need to be qualified to do it but that ain't true. Take me for example.Last-week at college I did a job that required me to remove and refit one of the lower control arms (wishbones), I got it removed within 20 minutes and got it fitted within 20 minutes and yes while I do have a level 1 qualification I am not a fully qualified mechanic (I'm also still learning the trade). You just need to have the correct equipment and tools along with a clear method in your head which you follow, but if I can do a job like I mentioned earlier which is by no means an 'easy' job I'm sure you can start learning. Start off small, try and tackle an oil change and replace oil filter. 

Edited May 28, 2018 by LinusTechTipsFanFromDarlo

[Yoinkerman]

Sounds like something is shorting and causing huge draw

[billstelling]

Check the tail light sockets and other lights for corrosion or water damage. I've seen similar were it was the tail lights grounding out. Inspect all of the wiring you can see for any signs of damage to the looms or wiring itself. As was stated as well, check to make sure the engine and chassis grounds are connected and not all corroded up. Also service the battery terminals and check the wiring there for any signs of damage as well.

 

It could also be related to the ecm and it having a short of some kind going on internally.

[wasab]

4 hours ago, LinusTechTipsFanFromDarlo said:

Look I know I'm biased because I'm studying motor vehicle maintenance at college but vehicle maintenance and repair is easier than you think. Many people think motor vehicle maintenance/repair is difficult and you need to be qualified to do it but that ain't true. Take me for example.Last-week at college I did a job that required me to remove and refit one of the lower control arms (wishbones), I got it removed within 20 minutes and got it fitted within 20 minutes and yes while I do have a level 1 qualification I am not a fully qualified mechanic (I'm also still learning the trade). You just need to have the correct equipment and tools along with a clear method in your head which you follow, but if I can do a job like I mentioned earlier which is by no means an 'easy' job I'm sure you can start learning. Start off small, try and tackle an oil change and replace oil filter. 

But all i have is youtube to learn from and i have no desire whatsoever to mess up my car just to learn and experiment 

 

You are very lucky to be in a trade. Are you an apprentice at the moment? 

[3 Lions]

7 hours ago, wasab said:

Are you an apprentice at the moment? 

No, I'm just a college student studying C&G level 2 motor vehicle maintenance. 

[billstelling]