dalermc
New CEG'er
Hello I have a '97 contour v6. I am having problems with my battery not charging. I did a little troubleshooting and looks like I may have a drain in the electrical system.
With the car off, I disconnected the negative battery cable from the battery, and measured from the disconnected (-) cable to the negative terminal of the battery I am reading ~ 12.5 volts. This should read 0 volts - correct.
I have pulled every fuse, and it still reads 12.5 volts. Could someone please tell me if this is the problem. From Haynes repair guide book, it states that a trouble light should "NOT" come on. So if I am reading 12.5 volts (the trouble light would come ON) using a ohmmeter, it means I have a drain - correct. I don't have a trouble light available to try it.
What would cause the drain ? I am not able to get at the cables to the alternator to disconnect them (don't you love how the alternator is install on this car, can't do anything - until you pull the car apart - FORD idiots). Alternator is about 2 1/2 years old.
I checked the cables as best I can, grounds, and the mega fuse looks good too. With the car running only reading 12.5 volts, I know it should be ~ 14.4 volts.
Is the drain the reason the alternator is NOT charging ? I really don't think the alternator is bad and the belt is new. Not making any noises.
Any help would be greatly appreciated - I need to get my car working so I can find a job. If you can think of anything I could check..please let me know. I really don't have the money for a new alternator.
DRM
Innisfil, Ontario.
With the car off, I disconnected the negative battery cable from the battery, and measured from the disconnected (-) cable to the negative terminal of the battery I am reading ~ 12.5 volts. This should read 0 volts - correct.
I have pulled every fuse, and it still reads 12.5 volts. Could someone please tell me if this is the problem. From Haynes repair guide book, it states that a trouble light should "NOT" come on. So if I am reading 12.5 volts (the trouble light would come ON) using a ohmmeter, it means I have a drain - correct. I don't have a trouble light available to try it.
What would cause the drain ? I am not able to get at the cables to the alternator to disconnect them (don't you love how the alternator is install on this car, can't do anything - until you pull the car apart - FORD idiots). Alternator is about 2 1/2 years old.
I checked the cables as best I can, grounds, and the mega fuse looks good too. With the car running only reading 12.5 volts, I know it should be ~ 14.4 volts.
Is the drain the reason the alternator is NOT charging ? I really don't think the alternator is bad and the belt is new. Not making any noises.
Any help would be greatly appreciated - I need to get my car working so I can find a job. If you can think of anything I could check..please let me know. I really don't have the money for a new alternator.
DRM
Innisfil, Ontario.