battery drain

my 99 windstar has a new battery and the alternator tests good, but when driving when headlights dim, the abs light has come on, and after turning off the veh it wont start back immeditly. can u please help?

my 99 windstar has a new battery and the alternator tests good, but when driving when headlights dim, the abs light has come on, and after turning off the veh it wont start back immediately. can u please help?


I've seen "NEW" batteries fail within a couple days purchase. I would have the battery, new or not, tested along with the alternator individually at a different place than you've already had your alternator tested. This would eliminate a false positive on the alternator test and verify your new battery.

Assuming that both the battery and alternator test good, I would remove, inspect and clean the typical power cables in your auto. These would be all the red power cables from battery to alternator and battery to starter / power distribution block. Also clean the negative black wires and grounds.

I agree with bdahl, it seems to be a bad contact. Check voltage on battery connectors to see if you have same voltage than batt. It's not a battery drain.

You may need to have terminal cleaned/rubbed and tight connection w/o breaking bolt.