Hello, I have a 2006 Ford taurus SEL 3.0. Thew check charging system indicator comes on. The red battery light comes on after about 15 seconds after startup. If the battery is strong it does not come on but after a few starts the battery weakens and the light and warning come on. I have replaced the battery connections and the Mega fuse.Checked fuse #26.It is good and the auto parts store says the alternator is pumping out 14 volts. I'm stumped

Sounds like to me you have a bad Alternator! If its not charging the batter when running then it can only be a couple things a fuse or the Alternator.

Sure appears your battery is being pulled down fast! First check all connections Again at the alternation, along with all ground / bonding straps. check the vehicle to confirm there is not parasitic draw too. The auto store tested alternator output at the battery terminals 13.2-14.8volts at idle? OK Have it read for codes, Again even if the check engine light is NOT on the computer will have stored information and codes. Discount auto stores will read codes for no fee. Write them down.

+I drive for Uber and use the charger frequently .sometimes continuously to keep my phone charged so the app can run.iT requires a lot of power from the phone but I'm not sure how much the draw is. That's the only place I can think of. It ran fine on the way home after some interstate driving and the phone unplugged but when the idle got low after a few starts it came back on

NO way a phones drawing that much. If it just sits for a day or two is the battery down? or only when you run it..

Only when i run it.

I Ok you said the battery good been load tested? Next the alternator output is 13.-14.8 at battery? Alternator sure is Suspect, it can be intermittently functioning without being there to check you Taurus, I can only recommend doing some voltage drop testing. read the wiring diagram for the charging system. I'd scan it with the IDS-VCM. Ford scan tool

Te alternator is really the only thing left besides grounds. It was a cheap 1 year warranty one. I guess Ill break down and buy the lifetime one. But ill check for grounds before that. I dont have scan tools and only rudimentary knowledge of wiring diagrams. Just going to check black wires to metal connections.

I just recently found that the MAF sensor for my 99 taurus is recalled and a computer produced codes pointimg to that as the culprit. Im getting my new one put on today so hoping that helps with similar issues.