1999 Ford Escort SE (Battery, Battery Cables, Alternator, and/or Fuses)?

Question

Will not stay running


I called Ford Dealership (Auto Parts Stores Suggest, Ford Item) for Battery Cables (it seemed like a loose connection) was told cables sell only in combo pack with Fuse assembly ($400.00.)
I replaced Battery. Starts, Runs for about 2 miles, lights dim and cuts out, will not restart. I replaced Alternator 2 yrs ago, however feel this is my problem, but what is this thing about the FUSES?

Answer 1

in my opinion i have owned 16 escorts starting from the mark 3 up to the mark six and there is nothing wrong with your fuses you will find if you take the alternator off and spin the wheel it will make a funny noise the bearings are gone in it replace the alternator and the belt and you will have no more problems i have had to do this hundreds of times and it is 100% of your problem email me for anymore advice on these cars as they have been part of my life for donkeys years lol !!

Answer 2

The dealership is homo, just straight up gay, and your battery cable is fine. From what you said, it sounds like your alternator is not working properly. Alternators are not that difficult to change yourself, I suggest getting a Haynes manual and following the instructions on pulling the alternator, and take it to a parts store and get a new one and then install it and I believe that will cure your problem.

wait...wait. Just to cover all the bases, I don't want you to make the same mistake my friend did about 2 years ago. First thing.....pop the hood, and make sure you actually have an alternator belt. If you have not lost your alternator belt, insure it is tight, if it is, then replace the alternator.


***ADDED***

I'm not saying anyone is wrong here, but you have a piece of advice that is definitely NOT what you want to do. Please, whatever you do, do NOT start the vehicle and remove the battery cable to test the alternator. When you do this, the alternator has no batter to compare its charge to, and you have removed the voltage regulator from the system. The voltage regulator need power to run, and removing that cable will cause the alternator to charge wild. I have SEEN an alternator put out 135 volts in a Dodge pickup when the cable was removed, trust me this is not what you want to happen. Fuses will be useless against volts. Fuses blow because of amps, not volts, so you could easily send 60 or 80 volts or more through every system in your car. How would you like to buy a new computer, ruin that radio system, and destroy every electrical component that is on? Please, don't do this, I used to do ti all the time, but I know better now and I highly suggest you never try this.

Answer 3

Ford Escort Zx2 Alternator

Answer 4

Alternator or battery are bad...when running, the car's electrical needs are powered by the alt and it recharges the battery. If it starts and then dies a short time later, the alt is not charging properly--- not putting out enough amps and will ruin the battery eventually. Have the battery charged and load tested...some parts stores like Autozone do this for free and can test the alternator also.

Answer 5

fuses usually are blown or not blown...if it runs sometimes its not the fuses...save ur money to fix real problem...check alt voltage with cheap meter ,,should b 14 volts +,- 1 volt...check all wireing..cant tell if u replaced battery..if its the orig from 1999 spend the 40 dollars 4 a new one

Answer 6

it's probably the link fuse switch is in the wire, near the end of the wire, it is tape up between wires, the dealership will charge you alot, go to a junk yard or even a auto parts place will be cheaper then going to a dealership.

Answer 7

pop the hood -
roll down the window

Start the car up

disconnect the battery -
if the car dies - the alternator is shot.

If it stays running the alternator is fine.

Answer 8

I would take it to the ford garage and have them check to see just what the problem is.

Probably the alternator.