After replacing the battery the entire dash shut down and car goes into safe mode (blinking light of a car with lock on it)?

M3RK

MEMBER
2007 FORD FOCUS
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
333,000 MILES

The battery light in my car went on. Took it to Oreilly, they said battery was bad. Got new battery, light went off but my whole dash shuts downs and car goes into safe mode (blinking light of a car with lock on it) have to push start or jump start to get going again. I thought it might be the alternator, but my battery light does not come on with the new battery. Checked the ground wire and no issues, at least it appears. Thought maybe spark plugs were an issue or coils, but getting spark there? Not sure what the issue is now.

2 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,690 POSTS

It does sound like the alternator is not working. To be sure when the engine is running let use a voltmeter to check it. This guide will show you how. The battery light may not go on all the time if the alternator is not working.

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

If while running the voltage is below 12.6 volts the alternator is bad. Sometimes a bad battery can take out the alternator. FYI. Here is how to remove the alternator in case you need it. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.

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