Bad battery

CALLENTX

MEMBER
2010 FORD FUSION
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
15,000 MILES

I installed a set of aftermarket HID headlights about a month ago. I have owned the car for 9 months. It is a 2010 Ford Fusion. We used a relay for the HIDs that is connected directly to the battery. I went to a shop to get an oil change, they also perform a battery test, Mine came back Replace the Battery. Is it possible that the relay being connected directly to the battery made it go bad? Have owned several new cars and have never had a battery go bad that quick. I am taking it to the ford service dept tomorrow. I hope they dont tell me that the relay is the problem, and that I will have to pay for a new battery out of my pocket. Dont really know how a relay works, that is why Im asking you guys.
Thanks
Carl

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

No, a relay connected to battery has nothing to do with it.

Have you had any problems with starting your car? Do the headlights dim and brighten when you step on the gas?

If you aren't having any problems out of the bat, but someone told you to replace it, I'd be suspect and get a second opinion.

Also, if your bat really is bad, then maybe the bat cables weren't tightened down correctly when you did the install. Or maybe the HID lights are putting too much load on a very small alternator and it isn't charging the bat after each start up.

Have these things checked before you believe what someone tells you. If you need more help, don't hesitate to ask.