There are considerably a infrequent checks you can practise to isolate electrical problems to the alternator.
What seems to be an alternator hot water on your 1998 Lincoln Navigator may be the arrangement of a defect in some other component of the charging operation. Cause your eyes, hands and a multimeter to endeavor to remedy the error before replacing your alternator.
Panel Indications
Research the tension in the engine coerce zone and the tightness of the alternator mounting bolts (the alternator may not be turning properly). Listen for tumult in the alternator with the engine running.
Voltmeter Checks
Provided the voltage is above 15 volts, the voltage regulator may be defective. Provided the charge fluorescent is on, the difficulty may be with the alternator globe fuse. A flickering charge brilliant indicates a loose connexion in the charging direction.Circuit Check
Proof that all the connections in the charging development are tight. This includes those at the battery terminals, alternator and fuse box. Contemplate the electrical wiring for damaged insulation or wires.Discern the voltage indicator and charge aglow on the instrument panel. With the ignition answer On and the engine not running, the voltage gauge shows battery voltage and the charge light should be on. Low voltage indicates a battery or charging holy mess. With the engine running, the voltage gauge should be in the common span and the charge light off.
Account a voltmeter To gauge the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine off. Low voltage indicates a wick battery. Amble the engine and proof the voltage again. Whether the voltage is less than 14 volts to 15 volts, the voltage regulator or alternator may be at misconception. Provided these readings complete not agree with the voltage gauge, the gauge may be faulty. If the voltage is above 15 volts, overcharging may be occurring.
Overcharging
Measure the voltage drop between the positive terminal of the battery and test point A on the voltage regulator with the engine running. If the voltage drop is more than 0.25 volts, the problem is in the wires (one orange/light blue and one yellow/white) to the fuse junction box. Turn the engine off and check the voltage between voltage regulator test point F and a grounding point of the chassis. If you read battery voltage, the voltage regulator has an internal short. If the voltage is zero, the problem is in the alternator. At this point, you need to replace your alternator or have it repaired.
