1996 Ford Aerostar battery/alternator

1996 FORD AEROSTAR
181,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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AUSMICBRA
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  • 2 POSTS
my battery recently died, we replaced it. It now charges overnight and is fine for the first run. After it is turned off the battery is running very low. We have replaced the starter, celenoid, battery, both belts were changed two yrs ago. It starts and runs no problem. What could the problem be? if its the alternator is there anyway of testing it at home?
Feb 2, 2009 at 12:27 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Testing at home

Get a voltmeter read the battery open voltage should be 12.4 volts or better, Now start the vehicle and read it again is it over the open voltage by 2 volts-if so its okay

Could also be a short circuit with the electrical system draining the battery overnite.
Feb 2, 2009 at 12:33 AM
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AUSMICBRA
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the battery is actually charging overnight and dying after driving then stopping and staring the engine[quote:664e71eac8="rasmataz"]Testing at home

Get a voltmeter read the battery open voltage should be 12.4 volts or better, Now start the vehicle and read it again is it over the open voltage by 2 volts-if so its okay

Could also be a short circuit with the electrical system draining the battery overnite.[/quote:664e71eac8]
Feb 2, 2009 at 12:55 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Get the battery and alternator load tested then report back
Feb 2, 2009 at 1:50 AM
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