Battery light blinking sparaticly? I have afew questions and pic request.

[Estroil 4.8is]

The light has been blinking in no certain pattern. The X has never had a problem starting since the light went on last saturday night. The light will come on about every 4-5 starts and stays on in a random pattern. Sometimes the light will go off completely. If I shut down the X and restart it right away the light stays off. I plan on checking the voltage at the battery when the light is blinking to see if the voltage drops. That should show if the alternator is not charging, correct?? It just seems strange that it doesn't do this all the time and It's been almost a week and it still starts like a champ The only thing I did just before this started was lower the X. The light went on 2 days later, possibly sooner if I didn't see it. Would the H&R part that lowers the rear via the sensor cause this?

If all reads good with the battery, maybe I'll remove the H&R peice to see if thats the problem. I was also hoping that someone has a pic of the front of the 2000 4.4 engine to see the placement of the alternator. I know it's water-cooled so it should be easy to see mounted to the block. I just want to know where to look from under the vehicle. TIA for any help, Rob

[ML320]

My guess is your alternator. "light stay off right after shut down" is bacause of the alternator still put out some charges. It could also be anything in the circuit which keep it from fully charge probably. Take it to Auto Zone, let them check the charges for you. I believe it's free. Can't help you on the position. You should be able to do some search online for that.

[4.6is Ryder]

It's the alternator....you'll have to change the coolant as well....Phil

[Estroil 4.8is]

Well, I just checked the battery voltage with the vehicle running and the battery light blinking. I watched the voltage for about 5 minutes. The voltage ranged from 13.98v to 13.76v. And this was after the truck sat for a good 4 hours. Nothing seems to point to the alternator, in my eyes. It will be 1 week on saturday since the light has gone on and the X has never had a problem turning over. I've driven it everyday for more then 1 hours time. The manual says that the is either a problem with the alternator charging or an electrical short. I'm leaning towards the short. Does anyone know if a short could be as simple as a blown fuse somewhere in the X. Could the computer pick up and something that minor? I'm going to look through the X now for anything blown or a loose connection near the battery and distribution block. Thanks for the help Rob

[4.6is Ryder]

My X had the same symptom...take it to dealer and let them check it. It started fine and ran great. If you are still under warranty, get the alternator replaced and a free coolant flush.........Phil

[Estroil 4.8is]

mine a 2000 so no warranty thats why I want to make sure that the alternator is the problem.

[Ldiggs910]

Do you still have your X Silver? If so, what was the problem?