Help! This can’t be good right? "Charging system Service now"

[Iceman23]

So, I just got into my 2.0 ecoboost (that I’ve had for 4 months), started it up, and it sounded like a belt was out of whack and perhaps strangling a porcupine while trying to function. The “Charging system Service Now” light came on immediately and it just sounds awful when it was running. Is this an easy fix that anyone else has dealt with on their own, or am I waiting for Ford to pick it up from my house on Monday to fix whatever is causing these ungodly sounds?

Sponsored

 

[CurtisB]

Sounds like a loose or broken alternator belt.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Did you open the hood and see if there's a dead cat under there?

HRG

 

[Iceman23]

Did you open the hood and see if there's a dead cat under there?

HRG

I did look to see if some small critter got in there…here’s a couple pics. Not sure what this mud like stuff is, could that be remnants of a mouse or other small animal? Also, there appears to be a belt below and to the right (if you’re standing at front and looking into hood) of that smudge, that looks like it maybe out of line.

 

[ShadowChas]

I did look to see if some small critter got in there…here’s a couple pics. Not sure what this mud like stuff is, could that be remnants of a mouse or other small animal? Also, there appears to be a belt below and to the right (if you’re standing at front and looking into hood) of that smudge, that looks like it maybe out of line.

The belt is off, do not continue to start or drive it like this. Could've been misaligned or something broke which caused it to come off.

 

[Iceman23]

The belt is off, do not continue to start or drive it like this. Could've been misaligned or something broke which caused it to come off.

Thank you! Once I really looked in there, it did look like the belt was off the track or what have you. Suppose I should call the dealership on Monday and have them come and get it to fix it.

 

[CurtisB]

I have found on newer vehicles the serpentine belt has to be on really tight. If it is just slightly loose, all hell breaks loose..................

 

[peeturd]

Something (critter probably) got swept up in the serpentine belt and derailed the belt - yes easy fix

 

[RichardCranium]

I would put the belt back on and see if that fixes your issue before calling the dealer.
Obviously, look at the belt too before you do. The rodent you turned into pulp may have damaged it.

 

[Montauk]

Oh yes. There are certainly more bits and pieces to be found along the path of the belt and on the under-engine shields. Oh yea, the belt may have been affected as well when it popped off a pulley.

keep us posted.

 

[Montauk]

+ + =

…turned into pulp…

 

[CurtisB]

Oh my..................a critter got squished? Was the noise a squirrels last scream?

 

[Montauk]

this mud like stuff…

… is nut butter.

 

[BlueRaven]

So, I just got into my 2.0 ecoboost (that I’ve had for 4 months), started it up, and it sounded like a belt was out of whack and perhaps strangling a porcupine while trying to function. The “Charging system Service Now” light came on immediately and it just sounds awful when it was running. Is this an easy fix that anyone else has dealt with on their own, or am I waiting for Ford to pick it up from my house on Monday to fix whatever is causing these ungodly sounds?

sounds like instead of running straight to the forum, you should have called your local ford dealer. its 4 months old, its under warranty.

 

[Waterick]

If this is due to an animal, it will not be under warranty.

Sponsored