Ford Explorer

1997 FORD EXPLORER
180,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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HOBBITHUG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Battery light on, car beeping, Tried to jump it, but wouldn't hold a charge long enough to get out of parking lot before dying again. There was some corrosion on the battery + terminal, we cleaned most of it off with a knife and baking soda+water, but still wouldn't start.
Nov 24, 2010 at 9:03 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,414 POSTS
The battery light is on because the generator is not recharging the battery as you drive. You can verify this by measuring battery voltage with an inexpensive digital voltmeter. With the engine running, it must read between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, suspect the generator with its built-in voltage regulator.

You can also test your battery with the voltmeter. A fully charged battery will read near 12.6 volts. A good but discharged battery will measure around 12.0 volts. A defective battery with one shorted cell will measure close to 11 volts or less.

caradiodoc
Nov 24, 2010 at 9:13 AM
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