1999 Mercury Cougar Hot Battery Terminal

Tiny
CHRISTINE100
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,500 MILES
Car was running fine, Quit as I traveled out long driveway, Restarted fine, drove around the block. Turned off key would not restart. All Gauge hands did a sweep. Checked battery Red Terminal and cable were hot. Car started after a boost. Cleaned battery posts replaced terminals. Car starts fine. But after a very short drive terminal and cable are still Hot. What could the problem be?
Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 AT 8:10 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I need you to both have the battery load tested and the alternator tested for output. NOTE: Most parts stores will do both for free.

Do that and let me know the results.
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Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
CHRISTINE100
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Had battery and Alternator load tested.
Battery before car was started 12.42 Volts, Started was at 14.50 volts, loaded 13.00 volts, After car sit while warm, restarted was at 9.86 volts. Alternator was at 13.00 volts.
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Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
It sounds like the alternator may not keep up with the demand when warm.
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Thursday, October 30th, 2014 AT 5:33 AM
Tiny
CHRISTINE100
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  • 7 POSTS
Alternator is over Five years old and still under warranty. I will look into getting that replaced asap and see how that works out. After its replaced I will leave a reply as to how its working out. Thank you.
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Thursday, October 30th, 2014 AT 6:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I'll look for your reply.

Joe
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Thursday, October 30th, 2014 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
CHRISTINE100
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Replaced Alternator on Friday, and It did not help. The Battery terminal is still getting very hot. Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Tuesday, November 11th, 2014 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Is the battery terminal still getting hot?
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Tuesday, November 11th, 2014 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
CHRISTINE100
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, The Battery Terminal is still getting very hot.
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Wednesday, November 12th, 2014 AT 2:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
There has to be a short somewhere in the system drawing a heavy load from the battery,. Can you check for an electrical draw?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight
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Thursday, November 13th, 2014 AT 5:25 AM

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