How to properly test a Ford non-Smart charge PCM controlled alternator.

Easy alternator diagnosis to determine if it is charging or not. This is a PCM-controlled non-smart charge system on a 2003 Ford Explorer. Easy steps to troubleshoot this system.
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[@lavasnake]

Great video. I've made a list of all the tests you performed here with wire placments and expected results (I wish i could post here) and its amazing information! Thank you so much

[@Rick_Kn]

Very good explanation of things. Thank you.

[@ericcochran5112]

Thank you for making this video. Been really looking for wiring help on my f150.

[@jessepirtle1710]

My 2004 expedition has a battery light/ check charge message. Changed alternator and light still on? Alt seems to be charging

[@LubaLuba1]

very educational, I got the same like 8 v from PCM that the return because other field is battery voltage like 12v but is 8v enough to fire up alternator i have a new alternator

[@737mechanic]

If you got 8v that is good. A new alternator should fix the problem.

[@LubaLuba1]

@@737mechanic 8v is that enough to charge the alternator to work ? because I still dont get any increase at the battery still 12.5 or less And I hate to junk the car when everything else works great

[@737mechanic]

@@LubaLuba1 Per the manual 8v is about right, then battery voltage on the B+ wire and the other smaller wire. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight and you can also do a voltage drop test from the B+ connection to the battery.

[@LubaLuba1]

@@737mechanic but if I test battery with meter when the car is on and i only get 12.5 or 11.5 but doesn't go higher if I accelerate motor than alternator is not charging battery.

[@737mechanic]

@@LubaLuba1 Email me and I will send you the procedure for checking the system.

[@savage_9641]

Ihave that issue on grand marquis 2001😓

[@brooksjorgensen7621]

hey great video! so i have a 2000 for excursion, v10. I just did these tests, at the pcm connector at the alternator, I unplugged it while the batter was still hooked up and I had batter voltage on both wires. I also had full battery voltage from the +b terminal on the alternator. but no charging of the battery. this is a brand new alternator mind you. I also did a ohms test on all wires from the alternator, to the batter and to the starter solenoid....do I have a bad alternator again? I also have a battery light on.

[@motologist1917]

do u solve it

[@Abrandnew3]

I have a 4.0 2009 ford ranger. Brand new alternator and battery. 2 wire connector - one wire has 12v all the time the other has 0 when key off and 12v when key on and when engine is running. Battery seems to be holding at 12.2. Do you think the PCB voltage is to high?

[@DeepSouthBayouDiesel]

A good battery is 12.6 volts at rest. How many volts are you getting with the truck running?

[@myviews469]

with the pins in 12.0 was the power wire? because one is return neutral and other is to PCM ?

[@737mechanic]

There is the 12v B+ which is the heavy cable running to the battery, in the connector there is one that goes to the PCM then the other ends up running to the battery after going through some stuff.

[@myviews469]

@@737mechanic the two thinner wires are coming from PCM and one has voltage the other is ground control by PCM is that correct?

[@737mechanic]

@@myviews469 No only 1 "green" is going to the PCM and the other "orange" goes through a fusable link and ends up going back to the battery.

[@myviews469]

@@737mechanic The two I have from PCM red and brown and the red give me 8.8v when the key is on position, brown is zero. but just spliced into brown and attached ground while motor was on tapping it then clipped it to negative post on battery but no increase in voltage. And this alternator is brand new just installed yesterday.

[@stevewalker412]

Was that a 2 or 3 wire mine is a 3

[@737mechanic]

It is a 2, if yours is a 3 it will be a computer controlled regulator.

[@brooksjorgensen7621]

@@737mechanic are the 3 where it had a big connector with 2 wires, and then 1 is a short one with a small connector? what computer controls that?

[@Pinkielover]

how about a 2012 mazda 6 , alternator plug has 2 wires , and a thick battery terminal.. I'm trying to find wire schematics on it just because I wanna know what the two wires actually do.. Nothing's wrong with it just very curious... The alternator is made by Mitsubishi but it also has Ford stamped on it

[@737mechanic]

Ford owns Mazda so that is why you will see parts from both manufacturers on both. If you email me I can send you the diagram. [e-mail]

[@Pinkielover]

@@737mechanic I tried sending to your email but it didn't work

[@737mechanic]

@@Pinkielover my email is [e-mail]

[@allison6473]

I really could use the wiring schematics for 2003 escape. I replaced alt 2x and still having same problem with it not charging battery. I believe it is the pcm wire . it’s been a nightmare . Didn’t have this problem before alt was changed out. Can I email you to get the wiring schematic?

[@allison6473]

I also have no battery light on . It doesn’t come on even with key forward but not running .