Charging system issues
joheir
10-28-2009, 01:19 PM
I have a 2000 ford windstar, the battery light on the dash came on awhile ago, and the van soon wouldnt start. I put a borrowed battery into it ... but needed to jump it to get it started, then i tried the "classic diconnest the battery method" to test and see if the alternator was the issue.... it appeared that it was, as the van stalled out. I bought and installed the new alternator, but the problem was still existent, however... when the battery was disconnected the van still ran... so I bought a new battery, my issue remains... the battery light on the dash comes on. I still have a weak charging system. Does anyone have any idea what else could be causing this issue? thanks in advance for your much needed help.
serge_saati
10-28-2009, 11:45 PM
Welcome to the AF Forum!
I have a 2000 ford windstar, the battery light on the dash came on awhile ago, and the van soon wouldnt start. I put a borrowed battery into it ... but needed to jump it to get it started, then i tried the "classic diconnest the battery method" to test and see if the alternator was the issue.... it appeared that it was, as the van stalled out. I bought and installed the new alternator, but the problem was still existent, however... when the battery was disconnected the van still ran... so I bought a new battery, my issue remains... the battery light on the dash comes on. I still have a weak charging system. Does anyone have any idea what else could be causing this issue? thanks in advance for your much needed help.
When engine is running, check voltage on the battery, it should be at least 14V. If not, you have a problem.
When engine is running, check if you have the same voltage on the B+ (positive) connection of the alternator and the positive of the battery. If you have a even a slight difference, it means that you have a bad contact.
I think you may have a discharge when you car is turned off. Maybe a short-circuit somewhere. Disconnect the + terminal of the battery and connect an amperemeter between the battery and the cable. If the current is more than 50mA, you have a short somewhere.
I have a 2000 ford windstar, the battery light on the dash came on awhile ago, and the van soon wouldnt start. I put a borrowed battery into it ... but needed to jump it to get it started, then i tried the "classic diconnest the battery method" to test and see if the alternator was the issue.... it appeared that it was, as the van stalled out. I bought and installed the new alternator, but the problem was still existent, however... when the battery was disconnected the van still ran... so I bought a new battery, my issue remains... the battery light on the dash comes on. I still have a weak charging system. Does anyone have any idea what else could be causing this issue? thanks in advance for your much needed help.
When engine is running, check voltage on the battery, it should be at least 14V. If not, you have a problem.
When engine is running, check if you have the same voltage on the B+ (positive) connection of the alternator and the positive of the battery. If you have a even a slight difference, it means that you have a bad contact.
I think you may have a discharge when you car is turned off. Maybe a short-circuit somewhere. Disconnect the + terminal of the battery and connect an amperemeter between the battery and the cable. If the current is more than 50mA, you have a short somewhere.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026