Dead Explorer - Please help
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Dead Explorer - Please help
Hello, I have finally registered to be a member after lurking for some time.
I have a problem with my 99 Explorer V6, recently the truck wouldn't start as the battery was dead. Once I boosted it, it ran fine but the next day it died again. Again I had to boost it.
My question is, does anybody know why my truck would be doing this. The battery is fairly new, about 2-3 years old so I didnt think it should be time to replace the battery. My neighbor told me he thought it might be the alternator.
Anybody have an idea what would be causing this?
Thanks for your input.
I have a problem with my 99 Explorer V6, recently the truck wouldn't start as the battery was dead. Once I boosted it, it ran fine but the next day it died again. Again I had to boost it.
My question is, does anybody know why my truck would be doing this. The battery is fairly new, about 2-3 years old so I didnt think it should be time to replace the battery. My neighbor told me he thought it might be the alternator.
Anybody have an idea what would be causing this?
Thanks for your input.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
Could possibly have a bad connection at the battery terminals or the battery has a bad cell, or the alternator is not putting out enough to recharge the battery. You need to have each one checked. Is the gauge showing charge?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
I'd say do the easy stuff first.
Stop by the parts store and have them test the battery under load. Should identify a weak cell, which definitely affects cold cranking amps.
If battery is OK, then you could have an open circuit that is draining the battery (for example, a glove box light that stays on).
Or, it could be something in the charging system. But, I wouldn't jump too fast to blame the alternator. Start it up and use a voltmeter to measure the battery voltage across the positive and negative battery terminals. It should show you around 13.5 to 14.0 volts. Then, have someone switch the headlights on while you watch the voltmeter. Voltage should drop initially, but then come right back up if the alternator is behaving normally. If it doesn't, then check a Haynes book for your vehicle that will show a couple of other checks for the alternator using a voltmeter and probing the terminals on the alternator.
Stop by the parts store and have them test the battery under load. Should identify a weak cell, which definitely affects cold cranking amps.
If battery is OK, then you could have an open circuit that is draining the battery (for example, a glove box light that stays on).
Or, it could be something in the charging system. But, I wouldn't jump too fast to blame the alternator. Start it up and use a voltmeter to measure the battery voltage across the positive and negative battery terminals. It should show you around 13.5 to 14.0 volts. Then, have someone switch the headlights on while you watch the voltmeter. Voltage should drop initially, but then come right back up if the alternator is behaving normally. If it doesn't, then check a Haynes book for your vehicle that will show a couple of other checks for the alternator using a voltmeter and probing the terminals on the alternator.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
Gibsonj,
You are correct in info, but an "open" circuit can't drain a battery. A closed or complete circuit can. Also, if a battery is low, the voltage can read up to 15volts on voltmeter with engine running. Not trying to be nitpickiing,sorry
You are correct in info, but an "open" circuit can't drain a battery. A closed or complete circuit can. Also, if a battery is low, the voltage can read up to 15volts on voltmeter with engine running. Not trying to be nitpickiing,sorry
Last edited by merlynr; Jan 13, 2006 at 02:04 PM. Reason: more info
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
It could be the battery... I've had 'em be bad off the shelf, die prematurely, and last forever... it's a crap shoot. Have it tested, if it passes, time to see if you've got a circuit that's drawing it down at night, or a bad alternator / regulator (I think they're all one piece nowadays).
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
Originally Posted by merlynr
Gibsonj,
You are correct in info, but an "open" circuit can't drain a battery. A closed or complete circuit can. Also, if a battery is low, the voltage can read up to 15volts on voltmeter with engine running. Not trying to be nitpickiing,sorry
You are correct in info, but an "open" circuit can't drain a battery. A closed or complete circuit can. Also, if a battery is low, the voltage can read up to 15volts on voltmeter with engine running. Not trying to be nitpickiing,sorry
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: China Spring, TX (Waco)
I would check the battery cables. I had the same problem on my Ranger. The negative cable was corroded underneath the insulation where it wasn't visible. Replaced the cable and the problem went away.
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by 99-EX-LXT
Hello, I have finally registered to be a member after lurking for some time.
I have a problem with my 99 Explorer V6, recently the truck wouldn't start as the battery was dead. Once I boosted it, it ran fine but the next day it died again. Again I had to boost it.
My question is, does anybody know why my truck would be doing this. The battery is fairly new, about 2-3 years old so I didnt think it should be time to replace the battery. My neighbor told me he thought it might be the alternator.
Anybody have an idea what would be causing this?
Thanks for your input.
I have a problem with my 99 Explorer V6, recently the truck wouldn't start as the battery was dead. Once I boosted it, it ran fine but the next day it died again. Again I had to boost it.
My question is, does anybody know why my truck would be doing this. The battery is fairly new, about 2-3 years old so I didnt think it should be time to replace the battery. My neighbor told me he thought it might be the alternator.
Anybody have an idea what would be causing this?
Thanks for your input.
Happy to read you have quit lurking
…..See you on the boards.
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