Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

02 Explorer Battery?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 03:26 PM
  #1  
Rob.D's Avatar
Rob.D
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs,MI
02 Explorer Battery?

Hello, we have an 02 Explorer with 89,000 miles on it, owned it since new. It's my wifes ride, I seldom drive it. It has the original battery in it. On occasion the vehicle will not start, needing a jumpstart. It's happened about 5 or 6 times this winter. I went to drive it this morning and it would not start, pulled out the jump box and it fired right up and ran several errands with no starting issues. It was stored inside the garage last night, probally in the 40's in the garage. Pulled into auto parts store and they put a meter on the bat., and said it was a good battery but low on charge. I brought it home put it on a charger, low 2amp and within an hour it was shutting off saying battery was fully charged. It's so speratic I don't know what to think! Should I just replace the battery? If so what does everyone recommend? Thanks

I also told the the wife to make sure everything is unplugged and off prior to leaving set overnight. But it has also happened while running erands and truck being off for a few minutes.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 04:25 PM
  #2  
CMOS's Avatar
CMOS
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Absolutely replace that battery. Factory batteries are typically good for 3-4 years max, in my experience.

I generally replace my batteries every 3 years whether they have issues or not. I don't want to get stuck somewhere.

CMOS
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 05:18 PM
  #3  
Rob.D's Avatar
Rob.D
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs,MI
O.K. whats the best bang for the buck as far as batteries go?
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 05:27 PM
  #4  
khadma's Avatar
khadma
Carpenter Local 745
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Club FTE Silver Member

Checker auto parts and related chain stores.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...e=5005&PTSet=A

If you print this page, the parts chain honors the low internet price.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 05:32 PM
  #5  
marragtop's Avatar
marragtop
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
Did they load test the battery, and did the check the output of the alternator? Also, what does the charger do it you put it on 6 or 8 amp?
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 05:37 PM
  #6  
Rob.D's Avatar
Rob.D
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs,MI
The lady hooked up some device not sure exactly what it was. She just stated the battery tested good but low on charge. The vehicle was not running and she did not check the alternator. Did not try switching the charger over too a higher amperage.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 10:06 PM
  #7  
Steina's Avatar
Steina
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Club FTE Silver Member

Check Motorcraft battery prices at your dealer; I got one about 3 months ago for $69.95. Has an 84 month warranty with 36 months not pro-rated.

Steve
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 08:30 PM
  #8  
marragtop's Avatar
marragtop
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
You need to check it with the engine running to check the output of the alternator. What you described could also be corroded cables or terminals. Use a load tester and test the battery without the engine running and with it running, and post the results (volts) back to this thread.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 09:49 PM
  #9  
steve(ill)'s Avatar
steve(ill)
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
a 2002 has a battery over 6 years old. if it is not shot, it should be. change it out and if problem persiste, then start checking things out.
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2008 | 04:53 PM
  #10  
Rob.D's Avatar
Rob.D
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs,MI
Had the explorer in today for front wheel bearing work. I had them check battery out, they said to replace. Alternator is fine. Thanks for all the help. Best deal on Battery so far is Napa. Dealer quoted me $88 with no warranty, what a deal.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:17 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE