2004 Escape--have replaced 2 batteries and an alternator--still battery light flickers, then vehicle will completely lose power while driving. Last mechanic said it was a switch problem, but 2 weeks later it is doing it again. I can't afford to keep taking it in, so anyone with an idea of what makes this happen would be greatly appreciated

Main Power Harness Goes from Battery to Alt and PDC

check the neg cable where it attaches to the engine block. that might be loose

Sounds like the alternator has failed but without a good look i could say ,jump start vehicle then with engine running take a battery terminal off ,if it stops then the alternator isnt charging

You need to check the plug that goes into the alternator to see if it's tight fitting next the brushes inside the alternator have a wear indicator that is a hole in the center it is also used to set them in place with a pin that could be the flickering cause the brushes are solid till they get to the opening so when the alternator is running there's always a break in contact because of the hole so it makes and breaks contact causing the flickering and the charging level is ok but when a lot of accessories are on it can't keep up the charging voltages so the battery gradually goes dead losing power also another spot to look is the power distribution box cable it co u ld be loose and dirty and corroded

Hello, If you have not put on a Serpetine belt in some time, then your belt has probably stretched to the point where it does not grip the pulleys good. You can also have a weak Tensioner pulley as well.

You need to replace both the belt and the Tensioner pulley to keep the Alternator pulley tight so nothing loses its, grip. Sometimes you will not hear a squeal from the belt, and the dash light will flicker.

SOUNDS LIKE THE BATTERY IS SHOT AND NEEDS REPLACING. MOST BATTERIES AVERAGE BETWEEN 2-4 YRS. I'VE SEEN SOME BATTERIES ONLY LASTING A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR. DEPENDING ON HOW YOU USE THE VEHICLE, MATTERS HOW LONG A BATTERY CAN LAST. IF YOU SIT & IDLE THE VEHICLE WITH THE A/C ON,FAN AT HIGH SPEED, LIGHTS ON, STEREO RUNNING WILL SHORTEN LIFE CAUSE THERES NOT ENOUGH ALTERNATOR SPEED TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. REMEMBER, WHAT VOLTAGE IS CONSUMED BY THE VEHICLE, THE ALTERNATOR REPLACES THE VOLTAGE BACK INTO IT AND MAINTAIN. PROVIDING YOU DON'T HAVE A RED BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH WHILE DRIVING, IT'S SAFE TO SAY THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS CHARGING. BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE THE CHARGING SYSTEM CHECKED ON YOUR CAR TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION. GOOD LUCK.

I am having the same problem with my 2004 Elantra. I have had the alternator tested twice and did replace the battery. This morning I had it running ad put a volt meter on it ( red to the battery pos black to the engine block) I did get a reading of 14 volts for about 30 seconds then the idle lowered and the voltage dropped to 12 volts. I tried this again later but could not get a voltage reading above 12 volts with the motor running. Any suggestions?

The light indicates that the battery is receiving insufficient charge voltage from the alternator. Take the car to an autoparts store and have the alternator output checked. Most parts stores will do the test for free. Sorry for your trouble and I hope this helped. Best wishes.

Have the whole battery/charging sytem tested. If it has an external voltage regulator or a bad battery, these things can kill a perfectly good alternator.

check heat shield around the cat ...if there is no heat shield ..you should install one