Ford Taurus electrical charge issues.

[lachie]

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus, and i had just recently(2 weeks) replaced the battery because the old one had been running really low. Now 2 weeks later, the car is starting to become harder to start, has trouble holding a steady idle, and the interior & exterior lights are very dim until i rev the engine in which they light right back up. I dont have a battery light in the dash. There is a slight squeaking in the engine bay, but i checked the belt and pulley on the alternator and they seem tensed. When i do manage to drive the car seem’s fine, but the dim interior light situation still remains.
Any ideas anyone?

Topic

[college man]

You may want to check your cables are clean and tight.
Also Have the alternator load tested at an auto part store.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems

[EricTheCarGuy]

The above post pretty much covers it. Battery connections can be an issue and if your alternator isn’t charging that can also run down a new battery pretty quick.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[Andrew]

Given the age of the car, I would check not only the battery terminals but also the other ends: the earth strap and the starter positive connection. If they’re hard to get to, I think Eric did a video on cranking voltage drop tests for each of these.

[Author]

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