1999 Ford Cougar Battery Not Staying Charged

1999 FORD WINDSTAR
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PNKFLYD77
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I recently bought my son a '99 Cougar. It's got a 124,000 miles on it. I replaced the water pump as it was starting to leak and also replaced the serpentine belt. My question is after about 24 - 36 hours the battery goes dead. It will take a jump but apparently is not staying charged. I think it could be the alternator but want to know if anyone else has any ideas before I take it off.
The other problem I'm having is the seat belt motor on the drivers side comes on when either of the doors is opened, however the belt does move. Not a problem just an annoyance. Is there any way to disconnect this?

Thanks everyone for reading this.
Jan 17, 2006 at 7:50 AM
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JTGT350
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It sounds like the alternator. To be sure, use a voltmeter across the battery while the car is running. The reading should be 14.4 volts, which means the alternator is working properly, and the battery is not holding the charge, in which case the battery should be replaced. If the reading remains 12volts or lower while the car is running, it's the alternator.

As for the automatic seatbelt, it sounds like the belt inside the retractor may have broken. The switch that indicates an open door also feeds the automatic seatbelt unit. I'd live with the noise rather than disable the unit.
Jan 18, 2006 at 3:25 PM
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LOVESCARS
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Most autoparts stores will check your alternator free while it is in the car if you can get the vehicle to the store.
Most Fords are equipped with an alternator that has an regulator that can be replaced instead of replacing the entire alternator you may want to explore that option as well.
Disabling any kind of restraint item in certain vehicles can also affect airbag function.
Jan 18, 2006 at 8:04 PM
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Suggested Repair

Test the charging system with a voltmeter while the engine is running (about 14.4 volts indicates the alternator is charging) or have an auto parts store test the alternator in the vehicle. If voltage stays around 12 volts or lower, repair or replace the alternator; on many Fords the regulator can be replaced separately. If charging voltage is normal, replace the battery. Do not disable the automatic seat belt motor, because disabling a restraint can affect airbag function; the retractor belt may be broken, and the noise is better left alone.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Cougar with 124,000 miles reported that the battery dies after 24 to 36 hours and needs a jump, and suspected the alternator. They also noted the driver-side automatic seat belt motor runs when either door opens but the belt does not move, and asked about disconnecting it. A reply advised checking running voltage: about 14.4 volts points to a battery that will not hold a charge, while 12 volts or lower points to the alternator, and recommended living with the seat belt noise rather than disabling the unit. An expert added that parts stores often test the alternator free in the car, that many Ford alternators have a replaceable regulator, and that disabling a restraint can affect airbag function.

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