Alternator...?

[Kneedrager]

Ok... So my '04 4.4 has just started with the famed electrical gremlins. Active suspension, turn signals, radio all coming and going with a mind of their own. After doing some research I opted to first do a battery re-boot. No help. I then replaced the battery and actually got 20 - 30 care and error free miles before the radio became possessed again. WTF...

I checked the voltage at the battery without the car running and it was at 13.5 - 14 volts. i then started the car and it dropped to around 11.5 volts.

Is my next step a replacement alternator? As always any help will be greatly appreciated. -Scott-

[Patrick-Irish]

Is the battery actually running down ?

The ignition switch can be the root of a lot of electrical issues. I had a few problems with the indicators, the radio and the voice recognition. All went away when I put in a new ignition switch.

[Kneedrager]

The battery does not seem to be running down. Is there anyway short of replacing one or the other to tell which is causing the problems?

[Rafa]

There may be separate issues. Go with the easier first, take the X to an autozone / Kragen and ask them to check your charging system (it's free). Check the bolts and nuts to be tigth. If your alternator is not working, change it quickly as it is draining your battery by the minute!

Second, ignition switch sypmtoms usually include loss of horn, wipers and all the lights in your dash. Ignition switch should have no effect on the charging system. Order the IS from ebay and follow the DIY in this forum, it takes ~30 min for someone with no mechanical experience.

Good luck!

[rayxi]

My bet is on the alternator or voltage regulator. Even with switch problems the voltage with the engine running should be around 14 volts.