Battery warning light on?
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New User
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Battery warning light on?
Hi, i'm new here, so please bear with me. I've got a 2000 Expedition and my battery warning light came on yesterday while driving through some pretty heavy rain. My first thought was that maybe the electrical system got wet. I let it dry overnight and the light is still on. Does anyone have any ideas as to what i can do to fix this? My battery gauge on the dash still is at 50% and hasn't moved one bit throughout this whole ordeal. Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
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From: Texas, USA
Seems more like a loose connection because of it's sudden appearance and continuing state. Have you removed and made shiny all mating surfaces of both battery cables and battery posts where they attach to the battery? Do that first. If same issue exists, then run the car for awhile, at least fifteen minutes, before shutting down over night with no accessories plugged in. Next morning check the resting voltage of the battery with a voltmeter. Should be at least 12.5 or more volts. If not suspect battery going bad in at least one plate. If light or indicator does not go out and you've done the above, have gauge checked for connections and accuracy of sensor.
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New User
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I just checked the voltage of the battery w/ the car off and its reading 12.4V. I turned the car on, let it idle for a few minutes, turned on the lights, radio, and a/c, and it reads 11.9V. Has my alternator decided to go bad on me? My car only has 38k miles on it. 
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
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From: South Texas
I have read in other posts that the battery warning light coming on is usually a charging problem, not the battery itself. Go to Autozone and have them check your alt. I was having a battery problem in my F150 and when I would first turn the igniton the gauges would spike up and down and then reset when the truck was actually started. My warning light never came on and the volts were ok, but the battery was not holding the charge and it finally just died. I got a new (higher amps) battery and no problems since.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
When you do get a new alternator, make sure you get one with a decent warranty, and get a new one, not a re-built one. My dad used to have problems on his Trans Am with a rebuild alternator. It would charge too high and trash the batteries every couple of years.
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New User
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Wow, everyone...thanks for your help. I was planning on taking to the dealer since i don't have the tools necessary to do it myself. Dealers don't use re-built alternators, do they? Any idea what it would cost to have the dealer service it?
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The dealers use remanufactured alternators. You COULD special order a NEW one but I dont think you want to pay 600.00 as opposed to 225.00. A good reman can last as long as your original. Its always a question mark on how long any replacement will last. Ive seen brand new ones last only a short time. Best bet is a good warranty. Short term warranty such as from the dealer Installed by them is 12 months 12000 miles, but that includes labor. No matter what you get from the aftermarket guys, new or reman the labor is not included in the warranty. If you can replace it yourself an aftermarket may be the best route if you plan to own your vehicle for a long time and keep your reciepts in order. If you are like the average person you will lose the reciept and warranty wont matter anyway. If you get the dealer to install it then the reciept is on thier computer for the duration of the 12 month warranty.
You just have to decide what is best for your future plans.
You just have to decide what is best for your future plans.
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Hmm...i do have the basic tools (socket sets, wrenches, etc.) i just don't know if i have the time to wait for a response if i get stuck. 
Approximately how long would it take for a rookie to change out an alternator? How many steps are required?
Approximately how long would it take for a rookie to change out an alternator? How many steps are required?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
It shouldn't take too long. All you have to do is take the serpentine belt off, and then unhook the electrical connections, and then unbolt the old one, and the install is the reverse. The best thing you can do if you want to do stuff like an alternator, or start doing a little of your own maintenece is to get a Chilton or Haynes manual. They are invaluable.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
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From: peoria, az
I say, go for it. Your looking at maybe a half an hour. Even for a rookie. Unhook the batt before you do anything and then it's the belt and maybe 3 or 4 bolts. This site is watched almost constantly by someone, so you won't wait long for a response if you do get stuck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: North Carolina
Alternator is a breeze.... even for a rookie! I got mine from Advance auto. It has a lifetime warranty and was only $185! Took about 15 min to change it with no problems to date. Just make sure you get a good connection on the plug. They fill the plugs up with dielectric grease and it sometimes prevents them from making good connection! It also helps to remove the air intake hose to get easier access to the area you are working on! It is held in place with 2 clamps. Good luck and happy wrenching!
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