Battery light

[dyno56ca]

Ok so first my original battery in my 2000 Windstar finally died no problems just pop in a new one, next day on the way home from work I almost make it home and I notice the lights are getting dimmer and the all of a sudden I loose all of the lights. I figure now the alternator is gone so I pop on a recon alternator. Now intermitantly the battery light will come on after the van has run for a 40-60 seconds. If i shut the van off and restart the van the light will stay off. Any ideas or just get a gun and put the thing out of its misery.

[bdahl385]

Originally Posted by dyno56ca

Ok so first my original battery in my 2000 Windstar finally died no problems just pop in a new one, next day on the way home from work I almost make it home and I notice the lights are getting dimmer and the all of a sudden I loose all of the lights. I figure now the alternator is gone so I pop on a recon alternator. Now intermitantly the battery light will come on after the van has run for a 40-60 seconds. If i shut the van off and restart the van the light will stay off. Any ideas or just get a gun and put the thing out of its misery.

Can you take some voltage measurements with a DVM (digital volt meter) and post back? Need battery voltage cold, battery voltage with engine running (alternator now charging battery), battery voltage right after engine cutoff, battery voltage after sitting overnight, etc. All these tell critical info from your electrical system.

Did you confirm that your original battery and alternator checked "bad" at a parts store? Many national stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly's will offer counter testing for free on these items.

I think an automotive battery, more so than any other part, confirms the mechanic's acronym for NEW as in "Never Ever Worked".