batteries not charging - help pls

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 9, 2008 | 11:49 AM

fear_nothing

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

batteries not charging - help pls

I've been fighting electrical issues with my X for about two months, its manged to leave me stuck in a major intersection at rush hour.

So I've replaced both batteries and alternator, I just replaced the alternator Sunday. Prior to the alternator replacement I measured
the voltage at each battery, it was low measuring 11 volts. After the the alternator was installed, the voltage immediately jumped
back to 12 volts. The voltage was measure at both batteries and alternator, no variance at all.

However today the battery light came back on. Should I replace the cables now?

Specs: 04 | Diesel | 96,000

Jul 9, 2008 | 12:32 PM

undrh2o

New User

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 7

Likes: 1

Did you have the system tested prior to replacing the batteries & alternator? It could be the cables or something pulling the battery voltage down (stuck relay, solenoid, etc...)

If it wasn't tested prior have someone run a routine on it (Advance, Auto Zone)

Jul 10, 2008 | 06:08 AM

DSMMH

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,589

Likes: 20

The voltage should be between 13.5 to 14.5 volts with the motor running. If less, you probably have a serious current draw on the system. I would get an AMP meter, disconnect the positive terminal of either battery and put it in line with the battery post and the cable. This would be done with the engine off and the key off. From what you are saying, it should read about a 3 to 5 AMP draw. Then I would start pulling fuses then the relays one at a time until the AMP meter draw drops to below about .5 AMPs. If pulling the fuses and relays does not reduce the current draw, then you possibly have a short in your power distribution to the fuse/relay panel.

DSMMH