Quote from: SHOnUup on August 23, 2014, 09:06:11 PM
Have the driver side wires wrapped and away from block but not passenger side.
13.7 while driving with radio on as only accessory and nothing being charged, well the obdlink. Battery is a Motorcraft. We bought lightly used and battery has the dealerships name on a piece of masking tape on it. Motorcraft Max
Starter+battery+alternator form a circle of life. If one messes up enough it can kill all 3 in short order so don't skip over a few easy checks now.
How has the weather been? Alternators will put out less power the hotter they get. 13-14.5v is considered "normal" output for an alternator. It will vary with temperature, rpm, and load. Press the start button twice (without foot on the brake) and see what it reads. 12.6 is perfect but since other stuff is running in the car already it probably won't read that. Start the car with the lights and everything off and see what it reads at idle. Turn on everything you can think of, lights, ac max cool, hazards, heated seats, rear defroster and check voltage. Bring the rpm's up a little and check the voltage.
If at any time the voltage drops under the first voltage you saw the alternator isn't doing its job and you are taking power off the battery. The battery's "only" job is to start the car. Starter+battery+alternator form a circle of life. If one messes up enough it can kill all 3 in short order so don't skip over a few easy checks now.