Ford Ka Battery Warning Light

My wife has a basic Ford Ka 04 reg, low mileage. It drives fine except recently the battery warning light keeps coming on. Any ideas on possible cause? I want to delay the official advice to, "take it to a Ford dealer immediately" in case there is a relatively simple (and cheaper) alternative. Thanks

Les

Reply to
les
Loading thread data ...

Even a partial diagnosis hinges on WHEN it comes on... engine rpm, battery loading, etc.

Reply to
Backyard Mechanic

The car is a 2004 and you don't have the owner's manual? Anyway, the battery light coming indicates an undercharging condition, usually caused by a dying alternator or/and battery. Invest in a digital Volt-Ohm-Meter and check alternator output at idle, at the battery posts, where it should be a MINIMUM of 13.4 volts while idling, and at least 12.5 volts with everything shut off.

Reply to
Sharon K. Cooke

"les" wrote:

Sorry, but I was labouring under the misapprehension that this was a helpful site. Thanks, but I'd rather buy a new car

Reply to
les

les spewed out this bit, and i'll scatter a few bits myself:

Well then that what you do, go out and buy you a new car. When you probably only need brushes in the alternator, or a battery. The Krusty old Geezers reply was dead on, sir.

Reply to
Mhzjunkie

Thanks to all. Yes I do have a manual - it says take it to your nearest Ford dealer. And apologies to the Krusty Old Geezer. I'd taken the "smartass - DEAL with it" stuff as part of his reply. I'll get my coat.

Reply to
les

Backyard was going to tell you what *part* of the alternator was bad, just the kind of guy he is. BTW, rumor has it, the "krusty & old" part is in his pants. :)

Reply to
ShoeSalesman

Front or back? ;)

Ok, I'll go stand in the corner.

Reply to
Tom Adkins

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.