Test E: Batteries Are Dead Or Will Not Stay Charged

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check For Fault Codes In PCM

Connect New Generation Star (NGS) tester to Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using NGS tester, perform Powertrain Control Module (PCM) self-test. Are generator fault codes present? If yes, perform appropriate test. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If no, go to next step.

Check Battery Condition

Turn ignition off. Disconnect NGS tester. Test condition of batteries. See BATTERY TEST WITH DIGITAL BATTERY ANALYZER under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. Is the battery(s) okay? If yes, go to next step. If no, replace appropriate battery.

Check Battery Drain

Perform BATTERY DRAIN TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. Is the drain greater than .05 amp? If yes, repair as necessary. If no, go to next step.

Check Upper Generator Output

Disconnect lower generator 3-pin connector. Perform load and no-load tests on upper generator. See GENERATOR LOAD TEST and GENERATOR NO-LOAD TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. Is the upper generator okay? If yes, go to next step. If no, replace upper generator.

Check Lower Generator Output

Connect lower generator 3-pin connector. Disconnect upper generator 3-pin connector. Perform load and no-load tests on lower generator. See GENERATOR LOAD TEST and GENERATOR NO-LOAD TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. Is the lower generator okay? If yes, go to next step. If no, replace lower generator.

Check Other Systems For Drains

Perform BATTERY DRAINS THAT SHUT OFF WHEN BATTERY CABLE IS DISCONNECTED TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. Are the electronic modules okay? If yes, replace batteries as necessary. If no, repair as necessary.