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How to Troubleshoot Electrical in a 1992 Ford Explorer

The 1992 Ford Explorer has an electrical system which consist of a power generating device, power distribution conductors, a power storage device, safety fuses and the various loads or devices that are powered by 12 volts DC electrical current. Electrical problems are one of the most common problems with cars. Knowing how to troubleshoot electrical problems with the 1992 Ford Explorer is a valuable skill and can provide significant cost savings as well.

Instructions

1

Start the Ford Explorer engine and listen to the sound generated by the engine. A slow cranking engine or an engine that wont crank is indicative of a problem with the car battery or starter motor.

2

Turn on the radio and listen to its sound. Press the horn button and listen to the intensity of the sound coming from the horn. Turn on the windshield wipers and then switch the wipers off after a few turns. Any noticeable decline in the performance of the above devices, or their failure to operate, indicates a problem with the battery or alternator, or a blown fuse.

3

Set the dial of the multimeter to 12 volts DC range. Place the tip of the red multimeter probe on top of the batterys positive (red) terminal. Place the tip of the black probe on top of the black (negative) terminal, and look at the multimeter. The multimeter should give a reading of 12.5 to 12.8 volts with the engine off. A lower reading indicates the battery has low charge and needs recharging.

4

Start the car engine and keep the engine idling. Hold the probes of the multimeter on each hand, and place the tip of the red probe on the batterys red (positive) terminal. Touch the tip of the black (negative) terminal with the black probe, and look at the multimeter. A multimeter reading of 13.6 to 14.3 volts is indicative of an alternator that is charging the battery sufficiently. A lower reading is indicative of a defective alternator.

5

Read the owners manual of the 1992 Explorer to know the ampere rating of its alternator. Ask a helper to step on the accelerator gently and increase the vehicles idle speed to 1,200 RPM. Hold the probes of the multimeter on each hand, and place the tip of the red probe on the batterys red (positive) terminal. Touch the tip of the black (negative) terminal with the black probe, and look at the multimeter. The multimeter should display a reading equivalent to the ampere rating stated in the Explorers owners manual. Have the alternator repaired in case the multimeter displays a different figure.

6

Open the hood of the car, turn off the engine, and inspect the battery terminals. Look for corrosion or a build-up of white substance on each terminal. Corrosion or acid build-up on the terminals will cause poor contact between the terminal and the battery cable, thus preventing power from running from the battery to the various electrical devices including the starter. Clean the battery terminals to ensure the battery operates properly.

7

Read the vehicle owners manual to know the location of the fuse box. The Explorers fuse box is typically found under the hood or under the dash. On the lid of the fuse box note the diagram that indicates the fuse position of each particular circuit. In case a particular device is not working, locate the position of the fuse inside the fuse box by reading the labels in the diagram. Replace the fuse with one of equal amperage If the wire in the fuse is broken or appears blackened.

Posted by Unknown at 8:45 PM

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