Battery light turns on when I start driving the vehicle?

Tiny
FORDESCAPE123
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 FORD ESCAPE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 198,000 MILES
I have a battery light that was coming off and on, now it is on solid. Replaced the battery had the alternator checked it read 15 volts. The car feels like it is not at full power when driving and the battery light usually does not come on when I start the car but when I start driving. Just noticed today my power steering and dashboard lights went off. But when I restart the car, they work again. The car starts perfectly.
Monday, June 19th, 2023 AT 11:48 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,622 POSTS
The system is resetting itself when you cycle the ignition key, it sounds like the PCM is going bad, but to be sure let's do a CAN scan which will tell us what's going on. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here are the charging system wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Please check fuse # 6 in the engine fuse panel and fuse # 29 in the SJB on the left side of the dash.

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

I have seen the SJB (smart junction box) go out as well, this is why we need to scan. Here is how to change both units out in case you need it. You can get a preprogrammed unit by searching Google or Ebay. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes

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Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
FORDESCAPE123
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I had some undercoating all over my belt and tensioner pulley cleaned it off as much as possible, the power steering came back lights came back, and the AC/heater is working but I still have a battery light on. I am not getting any check engine warning lights.
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Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,622 POSTS
Nice work, I would use this guide to test the alternator and then if it fails replace it. I have included institutions in the images below.

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

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Friday, June 23rd, 2023 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
FORDESCAPE123
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yeah, had my alternator tested it was putting out 17 volts, looks like the voltage regulator is shot, need a new alternator.
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Saturday, June 24th, 2023 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
FORDESCAPE123
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Should have mentioned it is a 2009 ford escape v6, the voltage regulator is in the alternator not the ECM.
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Saturday, June 24th, 2023 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,622 POSTS
Yep, good find, the alternator needs to be replaced. Please let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, June 25th, 2023 AT 11:43 AM

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