Drained battery

Tiny
AIMEEMORGAN5556
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD EDGE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
I replaced my alternator. A few weeks after, my battery stopped staying charged while driving. An error code will come on "ABS" "check brake system" then all lights on dash will go out and eventually the car will turn completely off. Since this has started I have taken the alternator off the car twice, taken it back to where I purchased, and had it tested on a machine. It passed as a good alternator both times. Replaced fuses, wires from alternator to battery, battery terminals, and the main belt for the car. I have gone through 5 batteries in roughly 6 months, and something is killing these batteries. Before replacing the battery we have them tested and they have all had bad cells. I'm needing guidance on what to do next. Please help!
Friday, January 24th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

If they are showing bad cells, it sounds like something is over charging it. Do me a favor. Here is a link that explains how to test the alternator. All you need is a volt meter or multi meter. I want to know what the voltage is at the battery when the engine is running.

Do this and let me know the results.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

The system should not be producing more than 15.5v. If it is, we have a regulator issue.

Let me know the results.

Joe
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Friday, January 24th, 2020 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
AIMEEMORGAN5556
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your response. I will do this ASAP and get back to you with the results. Also if it is over charging why does my battery die? Thank you again.
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Friday, January 24th, 2020 AT 10:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
It sounds more like the overcharging may be damaging the battery. It can cause things to overheat.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, January 25th, 2020 AT 5:08 PM

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