1991 Ford Escort Battery life is VERY SHORT

KOOL_RIDER

MEMBER
1991 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My '91 Ford Escort goes through batteries at an unbelievable rate. I am on my 2nd one in 2 months, and 4th in a year. They are all new, tested good batteries. The alternator is putting out at least 14 volts at idle. There are no power draws after ignition if turned off that I know of. Why can't I keep a battery in this car?

Clint

5 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

HI kool-rider
Put a meter on batt rev up 1500rpms what is voltage reading?

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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 AT 1:53 PM

KOOL_RIDER

MEMBER
12 POSTS

I put a voltmeter on at idle and saw 14 volts. I revved it to 1500 rpm and there was no change, still 14 volts. The alternator is new, only a year old. As I said I have put 4 batteries in this car in a year. They seem to not take a charge after awhile. Am I over-charging them and frying them inside? Should I do a load test on the battery? How can I check for overcharging?

Clint

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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 AT 10:33 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Hi kool-rider
Neded to do some testing and info gathering.
Type battery
Group size
CCA rating
Are batteries going dead then you are charging them up repeatdly?
Need to do a battery drain test. Remove the negative cable place meter in series from term to cable end. Have meter set on amp scale 10 amp range. Make sure everything is off and door closed. Now hook up meter does it read.5 amps or higher? If not switch to mA amp scale do you read higher than.5 mA. If so start pulling fuses till amp gague reads less than.3mA.
Is battery hold down secure?
Let me know

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Thursday, September 11th, 2008 AT 11:12 AM

KOOL_RIDER

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12 POSTS

I just installed a new battery 2 days ago, under warranty. It matches original equipment type. I could get that info if you need it. Am I checking for excessive draw off the battery when key is off? Also, there is no hold down bracket on the battery anymore. Is vibration or shake a problem?

Clint

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Thursday, September 11th, 2008 AT 11:45 AM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Vibration will kill a battery quicker than leaving lights on all the time. It breakes away plates they touch and the battery discharges internaly. And will not recharge, so if tray is eaten away get a stiff black rubber and strap that puppy down and I'm sure your problems are over. Ask any off roader how often they replace battery. Thats why NASCAR uses the geal type.