Battery light on, alternator at 14 Volts

[KerryKool]

I just got back from getting my alternator tested and it passed. I was kinda hoping it was alternator, because now I don't know where to look. On to the story.

Started my car one afternoon and the battery light did not turn off like usual. I drive about 5 mins and come to a stop and it flickers away. It did not return after a 15 mins drive home. I popped the hood to see if I noticed any extra squeal and it seemed louder than usual. I go to turn the car off to notice the battery light slowly turning on again. After a few searches and a post about it, I assumed it was the alternator.

So now I get to locate my problem. I also broke the mega fuse wire connection (I'll post a pic in a few) to the alternator, so that definitely needs replacing, as well as my somewhat striped bolts. What else could the problem be?

Thanks for any help.
-Kerry

[KerryKool]

This is what I broke off, it was attached to the alternator and to a wire that connected to the mega fuse.

You can see it here where it was at and what it was attached to.






I'm not sure what its called, but it looks replaceable.

Edit: After some searching, it seems that I could just get rid of this component by replacing the alternator wire with 4 gauge wire.

[TribalTour]

that could be a source of the problem, if your alternator wire was on the verge of breaking off, it may not have had the capacity to transfer the required electricity. In my opinion, I'd say replace the alternator wire, test drive, and see if the problem persists. good luck.

[blu_fuz]

You don't need that plastic case thingy and your alternator is probably just fine. Just put a eye on the end of the power wire and nut it right to the stud coming out of the alternator for the power. If you replace the wire be sure to use something that withstand temps from the rear exhaust manifold.....

[BrApple]

You don't need that plastic case thingy and your alternator is probably just fine. Just put a eye on the end of the power wire and nut it right to the stud coming out of the alternator for the power. If you replace the wire be sure to use something that withstand temps from the rear exhaust manifold.....

ah joe, this is a zetec, there is no rear exhaust manifold ...


if the alternator is charging correctly and you still have a battery light on I would guess there is a wiring issue with the dash light. get a Ford service manual and complete the pin point tests and go from there.

[KerryKool]

Sounds like a plan. I'll update the thread if I find the reason its coming on.

[blu_fuz]

woops

[mcgarvey]

Funny, mine just started doing the same thing. Battery light comes and goes-- sometimes it's on at idle but always goes away above 1500rpm. As soon as I get my other car put together and out of the garage (later tonight or early tomorrow) I'll check my charging voltage.

[KerryKool]

I put the alternator back in with the mods I mentioned. I'm still getting the same result making me think it might be the battery after all. I don't have the means of testing my voltage, so I might be running by autozone/advance to get the voltage checked out.

[mcgarvey]

As soon as I can track down a functional replacement alternator I'll let you know what happens with mine.