Test E: Batteries Are Dead Or Will Not Stay Charged
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- 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. If no DTCs exist, go to next step. If any DTCs exist, perform appropriate test. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
- Perform BATTERY DRAIN TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. If no excessive current draw was not found, go to next step. If any excessive current draw was found, repair as necessary.
- Disconnect lower generator 3-pin harness connector. Perform load and no-load tests on upper generator. See GENERATOR LOAD TEST and GENERATOR NO-LOAD TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. If upper generator is okay, go to next step. If upper generator is not okay, replace upper generator. See UPPER GENERATOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Connect lower generator harness connector. Disconnect upper generator 3-pin harness connector. Perform load and no-load tests on lower generator. See GENERATOR LOAD TEST and GENERATOR NO-LOAD TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. If lower generator is okay, go to next step. If lower generator is not okay, replace lower generator. See LOWER GENERATOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Connect upper generator harness connector. Test condition of batteries. If both batteries are okay, go to next step. If either battery is defective, replace appropriate battery.
- Perform BATTERY DRAINS THAT SHUT OFF WHEN BATTERY CABLE IS DISCONNECTED TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. If there are any current drains that shut off when the batteries are disconnected, repair as necessary. If no drains were found, replace batteries as necessary.