Battery light on

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Oct 29, 2004 | 08:42 PM

notamechanic

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Joined: Oct 2004

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Battery light on

I have a 98 ford e-150 van and the battery light is still on even after i got the battery replaced. I went to an auto parts store and they tested the battery and the alt. said it was good. not really having any problems with starting or charging but cant get the light to go off. need an inspection sticker next month wont pass with light on. help please.

Oct 29, 2004 | 09:42 PM

Catfish369

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Hephzibah, GA

It doesn't go on when the battery is low. The battery light will go on only if the alternator is not charging the battery.

- Make sure the battery cable ends are tight. You shouldn't be able to turn them at all.

- Check the negative battery cable end. Make sure it's tight and secure at both ends.

- Check the alternator belt. A loose belt will cause the alternator to undercharge and trip the battery light.

- Make sure all the connections at the back of the alternator are secure.

If all is OK, your Alt may be on the way out, even if testing good.

Oct 30, 2004 | 03:54 PM

Franklin2

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Virginia

The tester at the store said the system was good, so I will have to trust that. Their tester boxes are pretty good if they know how to use them. The only guess i have is there is something wrong with the indicator part of the regulator. Ford had so many variations in their charging systems, I don't know what you have, but you may have a seperate regulator that you can replace, or possibly a regulator that bolts to the back of the alt which you can replace. A portion of the regulator system is what turns the light on and off.