Notices
Excursion - King of SUVs 2000 - 2005 Ford Excursion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Battery question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 31, 2013 | 06:19 PM
  #1  
AndrewWV's Avatar
AndrewWV
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, WV
Battery question

I just replaced the alternator. I had the battery and alternator scanned before and after to make sure there weren't any other charging system issues. Both times (at different locations) they seemed surprised the battery was reporting more amps than it's rated. It is rated at 750. A few days ago they said it was reading over 800. Today, after charging and a new alternator they said it was reading well over 900 amps.

I certainly don't mind having the extra power, but is having that much over the rated capacity an indication that there's something inside starting to wear out? (Or were the two people who tested it as clueless as I am?)

I charged it last night. Before I replaced the alternator this morning I checked it again and the charger said it was only reading about 65 percent again. I charged it up again before I started it and it seems to be OK.
 
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2013 | 02:29 AM
  #2  
housedad's Avatar
housedad
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Club FTE Gold Member
If they are comparing their discharge reading (900 amps) with the CCA rating on the battery, then that would be basically normal.

The CCA rating printed on the battery is the amount of current that a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0° F. A battery does not deliver current as well when it is cold.

If they tested the battery capacity at say 80° F, then it would deliver more current than the rating label.
 
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2013 | 08:31 AM
  #3  
AndrewWV's Avatar
AndrewWV
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, WV
I just checked it first thing this morning, and it's reading 12.3V/70%. I'm sure it will start just fine, but is it typical to drain that much overnight?
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2013 | 11:43 AM
  #4  
1969furd's Avatar
1969furd
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
i would say sounds like a dead cell. had the same thing that ahppedn to me on a ga battery. ran fan for a few days then it just refused to start. replaced it wit a new one. problem solved
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2013 | 12:00 PM
  #5  
AndrewWV's Avatar
AndrewWV
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, WV
It always seems to start just fine, unless I run the dome lights or radio for any amount of time. It has checked out on testers at both Advance Auto and Walmart and both said it was good but with low voltage and high amps.
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2013 | 12:04 PM
  #6  
1969furd's Avatar
1969furd
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
id still throw a new one on. thre might be a slight draw in the sytem tho
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2013 | 12:16 PM
  #7  
EXv10's Avatar
EXv10
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
If that battery is over 3 years old just get a new one.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
aviatorcal
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Feb 23, 2013 09:16 AM
crestfallinman
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
33
Mar 1, 2012 09:54 AM
2001400ex
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Nov 21, 2009 11:46 AM
BillyBob69
1997 - 2003 F150
6
Nov 2, 2006 02:00 PM
beno
Electrical Systems/Wiring
1
Feb 17, 2004 09:35 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:55 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE