A few weeks ago our 99 Ford Winstar Van would lose battery power and go dead after a day of sitting in the driveway. We got a new battery and the problem still persists. There's no indication of any interior lights or things being left on. Something is draining the battery and we can't seem to pinpoint it. Any suggestions? It seems the problem started after taking the van through a drive through car wash. Not sure if that's relevant or not. If you have some ideas let me know. Thx
2007-09-05 04:04:49 · 12 answers · asked by Lj 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
Sounds like a diode in the alternator went bad. To check, disconnect the large wire from the alternator and let the van set overnight. Be sure to cover the terminal of the wire or otherwise keep it from touching anything else and sparking. If the battery is still up the next day, it's the diode. Take the alternator to a parts store and have them check it and if that's it for sure, get a rebuilt alternator. In short, diodes are one way valves for electricity and allow electricity to flow from the alternator to the battery when running but not the other way when shut off.
2007-09-05 04:50:14 · answer #1 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
Battery keeps draining in 99 Ford Windstar Van?
A few weeks ago our 99 Ford Winstar Van would lose battery power and go dead after a day of sitting in the driveway. We got a new battery and the problem still persists. There's no indication of any interior lights or things being left on. Something is draining the battery and we can't...
2015-08-19 00:51:45 · answer #2 · answered by Debbi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to put a "draw test on it" to pinpoint the concern exact but in the past, what has usually drained batteries have been glove box lights staying on, I've had a few radios actually internally short causing the concern. (some use amplifiers and the actual problem has been with the amplifier half of the units)
Also, how well are you charging this battery after it goes dead? I'm asking because it takes a real good battery charge or a roadtest of a good 10-20 miles to recharge a battery to it's normal usually.
If you are concerned about the cruise control like the other poster discussed, the switch he talks of is under the master cylinder behind the air filter (it's a bear to get to)..usually the cruise control going out is one hint (I think it's fuse 14 that provides power to that switch BTW)
But if the problems seem to have started after a car wash, my guess is water got somewheres where it wasn't supposed to and is shorting out something... You never said if you power washed under the hood, or just the outside of the vehicle.
Unfortuneately, without looking at it, and putting a amp meter on it to find out what's goign on, it's kind of hard to daignose from afar...
Door lights all should go out after about 30 seconds after doors are locked, do they go out then or does it take about 30 minutes?
any more q and a, contact me her or email.
2007-09-05 15:34:12 · answer #3 · answered by gearbox 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get hold of your ford dealer. This problem came to light with the Lincoln nav's when none would start in the dealer's lots. The problem is the cruise control module staying live with the key off, draining the battery overnight. In some cases, the drain could cause an overheat of the module causing a fire. There is a recall now on all ford vehicles to replace the defective parts.
2007-09-05 05:51:49 · answer #4 · answered by shopteacher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
99 Ford Windstar
2016-12-18 03:03:24 · answer #5 · answered by giallombardo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vehicle has a newer battery and a brand new alternator. I thought it was the interior lights so, I keep the thumb dial switch in the off position. The van has been sitting for 5 days and now the batter is dead again. The recall mentioned above, would it still be available? I am the second owner of this vehicle.
2016-05-21 15:22:55 · answer #6 · answered by John 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Windstar Van
2016-10-04 10:07:57 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We recently had the exact same battery problem just a month ago with our Suburban. My dad said that when he was checking things out in the hood (after 5 battery changes he decided to check it out) he noticed there was some kinda light on in the hood and so he switched it off, haven't had a problem since. Also make sure all the lights inside the actual car are always turned off.
2007-09-05 04:12:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something must be shorting out somewhere. If there is a security system, then it uses power when you arm it. But doesn't kill a battery in a day. Check daytime running light module. disconnect battery for extended time 15 min or more before reconnecting. It might reset it self.
2007-09-05 04:15:08 · answer #9 · answered by Ham8888888888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quick fis to see if lights are staying on, park it in a garage with te lights off and look at the van real close and see if you can see any lights on.
The make sure its not a battery problem disconnect the battery over nite and see if it will start the next day
2007-09-05 07:18:59 · answer #10 · answered by hazbob43 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋