First, I'm using a little LED cigarette lighter voltage tester.
When I cold start, voltage is 14.5 which is typical.
After 10-15 minutes, voltage gets around 13 volts and then acts like there is no regulation and limited amperage output. If I turn on accessories, the voltage decreases.
If I try pretty hard, the voltage gets down near 12v.
There are also indications of the voltage "fliuttering" about like there is a loose connection.
One question in particular: I've read that some models have the ECU control the alternator - not a voltage regulator. This really scares me since a charging problem could be an ECU problem.
A CLUE: This used to be my daily driver. I got a little car and now rarely drive the Windstar. It is parked on grass and I can tell it is getting beaten up pretty good from ground moisture. These problems did not start until after about a years worth of this limited use. I'm also convinced this inactivity caused the struts to go bad too.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Tom