Very Strange electrical problem - Focaljet

**imsmith2k4** · 08-30-2008, 02:00 AM

I hope that by posting this thread it will not only be a learning experience for me but maybe others can use this info...

...I drive an '02 ZX5 Zetec. Mostly stock with a cold air intake. Two months ago my battery light came on so I had the system checked at the shop and we came to the conclusion that the diodes were bad in the alternator. Went ahead and changed out the alternator, which was a b**ch by the way. Once changed, everything was fine. Battery light off and I was back on the road. That was two months ago. Now here about a week ago, my battery light came on again and the car just stalled out and when I tried to start it back up, it acted like a dead battery.(No radio, no power, clicks from starter silonoid) Without second guessing the alternator I went and got a new battery. I got 30 seconds down the road and the battery light came back on. I got home and put the thing on a volt meter and with the car running, I got like twelve volts at the battery and dropping slowly. I figured the alternator was defective so I called the shop and had them send me another one and then I installed that one. The car started and I let it idle for twenty min and no battery light. YAY.....

.....UH oh, Im ten minutes down the road and woulnt you know it, Mr. Battery Light shows up again. I make it home but now my car is sitting in the garage as it has been for a week now. Starts with a jump but then only runs for about 2 min. by itself.

Symptoms:
-battery light on
-drains battery and then car dies
-once car dies, the guages lay flat and airbag light comes on
-weak start and turn over
-with car running the volt meter reads like 12 volts
-all fuses are good
The Goods:
-New alternator
-New battery
-All visual power and ground cables look good

I know this is a bit confusing and if anyone has a question or a comment or just some geniune help then please post here. Thank you JET!

**Hitokiri** · 08-30-2008, 08:25 AM

Bad spark plugs? Moisture getting into the combustion chamber? Did you do a OBD2 test?

**guitarseth** · 08-30-2008, 01:09 PM

I'm assuming that you checked the wiring between the alternator and the battery to make sure there was continuity? Sounds to me like the alternator isn't actually charging the battery, which makes me suspect that there is either a broken wire or loose connection between the 2 of them.

**pkolator** · 08-30-2008, 02:26 PM

along the same lines as guitarseth, I would voltage drop the charging system. alternator to battery and alternator to ground.

continuity will tell you if there is a connection between the two ends of the wire, but that connection could be one stand of the wire.

08-30-2008, 02:00 AM	#1
imsmith2k4 Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Spring, tx Posts: 10	Very Strange electrical problem I hope that by posting this thread it will not only be a learning experience for me but maybe others can use this info... ...I drive an '02 ZX5 Zetec. Mostly stock with a cold air intake. Two months ago my battery light came on so I had the system checked at the shop and we came to the conclusion that the diodes were bad in the alternator. Went ahead and changed out the alternator, which was a b**ch by the way. Once changed, everything was fine. Battery light off and I was back on the road. That was two months ago. Now here about a week ago, my battery light came on again and the car just stalled out and when I tried to start it back up, it acted like a dead battery.(No radio, no power, clicks from starter silonoid) Without second guessing the alternator I went and got a new battery. I got 30 seconds down the road and the battery light came back on. I got home and put the thing on a volt meter and with the car running, I got like twelve volts at the battery and dropping slowly. I figured the alternator was defective so I called the shop and had them send me another one and then I installed that one. The car started and I let it idle for twenty min and no battery light. YAY..... .....UH oh, Im ten minutes down the road and woulnt you know it, Mr. Battery Light shows up again. I make it home but now my car is sitting in the garage as it has been for a week now. Starts with a jump but then only runs for about 2 min. by itself. Symptoms: -battery light on -drains battery and then car dies -once car dies, the guages lay flat and airbag light comes on -weak start and turn over -with car running the volt meter reads like 12 volts -all fuses are good The Goods: -New alternator -New battery -All visual power and ground cables look good I know this is a bit confusing and if anyone has a question or a comment or just some geniune help then please post here. Thank you JET! __________________ If at first you dont succeed, your not Chuck Norris!

08-30-2008, 08:25 AM	#2
Hitokiri Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Back In Central Wisconsin (I Miss Milwaukee) Posts: 3,409	Re: Very Strange electrical problem Bad spark plugs? Moisture getting into the combustion chamber? Did you do a OBD2 test? __________________ "Sauske is my friend. Someone who I was finally able to form a bond with. I don't care who I have to fight. If he rips my arms off I'll kick him to death. If he rips my legs off I'll bite him to death. If he rips my head off I'll stare him to death and if he gouges out my eyes I'll curse him from beyond the grave!" - Uzumaki Naruto '01 Rainforest Green ZX3 - Procharged w/ Focussport Stealth Exhaust, FC 65mm TB, 42 lbs injectors, and retuned SCT chip - 200 HP/170 TQ to the ground

08-30-2008, 01:09 PM	#3
guitarseth Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 2,999	Re: Very Strange electrical problem I'm assuming that you checked the wiring between the alternator and the battery to make sure there was continuity? Sounds to me like the alternator isn't actually charging the battery, which makes me suspect that there is either a broken wire or loose connection between the 2 of them. __________________ French Blue 2003 ZX3 Power Premium MTX Mild Naturally Aspirated build - Modded for driving enjoyment My Car Please help me with my engine build, buy my engine parts.

08-30-2008, 02:26 PM	#4
pkolator TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cary, IL Posts: 119	Re: Very Strange electrical problem along the same lines as guitarseth, I would voltage drop the charging system. alternator to battery and alternator to ground. continuity will tell you if there is a connection between the two ends of the wire, but that connection could be one stand of the wire.

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