1995 Ford Escort RED WARNING LIGHT

1995 FORD ESCORT
90,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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JOHNSON91
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THE RED WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER I START THE CAR ANFD WHILST I AM DRIVING, THE ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN TESTED AT THE GARAGE WITH A METER, AND THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED, AND THE ALTERNATOR IS CHARGING OK. THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS! HOW DO I TURN OFF THE RED LIGHT, SO THAT I WILL KNOW WHEN THERE IS REALLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH EITHER THE BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR?
Nov 6, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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STEVEW84
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What does the light look like?
Nov 7, 2009 at 9:19 AM
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JOHNSON91
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello Steve,

It is the RED light on the dashboard, which in the past came on when the battery was not being charged because the alternator needed replacing. As I said, the battery is fully charged, and the alternator is charging it - I had a guy at the garage check this with a meter.
It comes on when I start the engine, and flickers a little whilst idling. When I press the accelerator, it becomes brighter, and you particularly notice it at night. When it came on a few ago (when the alternator actually did need replacing) the red warning light stayed on even after switching off the engine. At the moment it is only on when the engine has been started.

I look forward to hearing from you.

John Johnson
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:28 AM
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STEVEW84
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 673 POSTS
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Does the red light look like a battery symbol? Even though the alternator is charging the alternator could still be bad. What kind of meter was the guy using?
Nov 9, 2009 at 11:56 AM
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