Battery losing charge
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Battery losing charge
Hi, everyone. I'm having trouble with my battery losing charge. I have a '99 FF 3.0 Ranger with an auto tranny. Two days ago, I noticed that the "low battery" light was on and the needle was dropping on my battery guage in the dash. Yesterday, it dropped below the "L" and my truck died while driving. I replaced the old battery with a new one, but the battery light is still on and the needle is still very low on the guage. I'm wondering if the problem is with the battery cables, or possibly the alternator. Anyone have any ideas?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
did you get a power team (alt/reg) check after changing the battery? If not go to a checkers of autozone to get them to check for ya. You can go to sears but they will charge for it.
If nothiing else if you have a volt meter try looking for 13.5-15.0 volts when the engine is running. Should be a minimum of 12.5v at the battery with the engine off and when running (although it will not last if thats all it has running).
Clean the posts real good and that might help but they would have to be real dirty to cause the problems you are having.
If nothiing else if you have a volt meter try looking for 13.5-15.0 volts when the engine is running. Should be a minimum of 12.5v at the battery with the engine off and when running (although it will not last if thats all it has running).
Clean the posts real good and that might help but they would have to be real dirty to cause the problems you are having.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Welcome to FTE
I agree with Hank, run this puppy by your favorite autoparts store, for a no cost electrical system check up, via their portable electrical system tester.
It can properly load test the electrical system, with everything in the vehicle.
From your description of the voltmeter reading, don't be surprised if they find the alternator has problems.
Before you go to check it out, SLOWLY recharge your battery fully, overnight if needed, say at about 4-6 amps.
If the alternator is found to be bad, DON'T put on the new alternator & drive it, with the battery at a low state of charge, as both can be damaged.
The alternator isn't a battery charger.
Having the alternator try to recharge a deeply discharged battery, can cause it to overheat & the batteries plates can be damaged from high amperage from the alternator.
Just some thoughts for consderation.
Let us know what you find.
I agree with Hank, run this puppy by your favorite autoparts store, for a no cost electrical system check up, via their portable electrical system tester.
It can properly load test the electrical system, with everything in the vehicle.
From your description of the voltmeter reading, don't be surprised if they find the alternator has problems.
Before you go to check it out, SLOWLY recharge your battery fully, overnight if needed, say at about 4-6 amps.
If the alternator is found to be bad, DON'T put on the new alternator & drive it, with the battery at a low state of charge, as both can be damaged.
The alternator isn't a battery charger.
Having the alternator try to recharge a deeply discharged battery, can cause it to overheat & the batteries plates can be damaged from high amperage from the alternator.
Just some thoughts for consderation.
Let us know what you find.
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