Battey warning light

2012 FORD FOCUS
125,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LJLOCKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi, my car listed above SE model, hatchback. battery light is on and i don't know why. Have a brand new battery new alternator and new starter put in within the last 2 months and the light wont go off. Battery holds its charge no issues. Alternator voltage is where it needs to be. So what could be the issue?
Aug 15, 2020 at 8:34 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

It could be a few different things. What really needs to be done is to have the can bus system scanned to see If there is a failure at one of the modules. CAN stands for computer area network, and chances are it would show where the issue is coming from. Here is a video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

I attached a pic below of the charging system. You will notice there are several wires indicating the computer data lines. That's why it should be scanned.

There is one fuse, fuse 22, that powers the battery monitoring sensor. Make sure it's okay. It's in the attached pic as well.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
Aug 15, 2020 at 11:08 PM
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4DRTOM
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 467 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

It must be a connection somewhere. Has the car not been starting because of it? or has everything been just fine just the light being on. It will only go on if its sensing low voltage. Are you saying its a good alternator because it was testing at the store or bench tested or is it being measured while it is installed?
With the alternator installed in the car with it running you should be getting 13.5 v on the terminal posts with all the power usage parts on. Check to see if the voltage changes at all with everything on and then everything off,the fan on high,the headlights on hi beam, make sure you testing on the post not the terminal connectors.
Let me know what the voltage is on the post while running.
Tom
Aug 15, 2020 at 11:08 PM
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LJLOCKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the reply. The car starts and runs fine. Lights aren't dim, radio works, power windows work. Passenger side front window is a little slow. Voltage read 14.2.
Aug 16, 2020 at 3:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That voltage is normal. Honestly, you should scan the can system to see if there is a break down in communication between different modules.

Let me know.
Joe
Aug 16, 2020 at 9:03 PM
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