I installed a new battery after the old one died, but when I start the car the battery needle points to a very low setting, what should I do? I do not have any time nor money to bring it to the shop.
2007-08-29 17:29:07 · 7 answers · asked by ann 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
1999 Ford Explorer
New alternator 5 months ago
2007-08-29 17:37:26 · update #1
try cleaning your cable connections. If there is alot of corrosion buildup, it may not be getting a good connection. You can do this simply by pouring coca cola or some other carbonated beverage on it then wiping away the corrosion.
Make sure that you disconnect the battery before you do that though!!!
If this doesn't work ,you can take it to any auto zone and they will test the battery and alternator for you for free.
2007-08-29 17:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by simmychick 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
At higher rpm's does the voltage become normal?? If so ,,No worry's ,,Be Happy,,LoL..Tighten the belt a little more or spray belt dressing on belt if it is a serpentine belt. Sounds like your car is not recharging the battery (bad alternator). Even if it is just 5 months old. Most cars parts places (Autozone, O'Reilley's, Pepboys even) will check to see if your car is charging for no cost. If it is charging,,check the battery cables & clean them (dump baking soda & water '3 tbsp backing soda to 20 ounces of water' on cable ends,,also check tightness of cables.ALSO check to see if cables are BRITTLE,,Do they bend easily or not. If not replace cables. If not charging,, hope you bought a LIFETIME warranty with that new alternator. Ford is bad about wearing out battery cables. Knew a person that changed battery, starter, alternator,,still vehicle would not start. Told them about battery cables(That seemed SO simple,,they would not listen to me) Offered them $500.00 for their 1999 Taurus ,,replaced battery cables & DROVE it home.
2007-08-30 00:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by toysareuskidd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to check the voltage.
also state year/make/model.
the battery could've been fine, but the alternator might not be putting out enough voltage.
you should be putting out 12.9-15 volts.
you can could have an external voltage regulator which could also be bad.
2007-08-30 00:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by Eric F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the engine idling at the proper speed? How is the alternator doing? You could have it checked at an auto parts store, for free at most of them.
good luck.
2007-08-30 00:35:20 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that is the charging system indicator. refers to votage of charge received from alternator. nothing to do with battery capacity. check alternator operation. probably the reason your original battery "died"
2007-08-30 00:41:44 · answer #5 · answered by Jay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you check if your belt has the right tension on it. Depending on you vehicle, if you have a serpentine belt (one belt running all the accessories) then you need a new belt of new tensioner. But if you have just a regular belt then just tighten it down, it might just be loose.
2007-08-30 01:43:45 · answer #6 · answered by turbocivic89 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
complex aspect. do a search with google and yahoo. just that can help!
2014-11-28 06:36:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋