Battery Wont Hold Charge?

**fordandmopar21** · 03-10-2009, 11:39 PM

In my 2.3 turbo thunderbird, i was driving towards greensburg. When i left my house i noticed my lights getting dimmer and dimmer while i was driving and by the time i got near new stanton my car just died. Thanks to a few buddies of mine (Frank, Bill, and Clark

) i got it charged back up and on my way home but it did the same thing about 15 minutes later.

Well i changed the external voltage regulator, tested the alternator which was good and it still wont run. I have a jumper pack hooked up to the battery and when the car is running as soon as i take it off it automatically dies. I even charge the battery for atleast 10-20 minutes and it still shuts off. I checked the alternator wires and they are fine. And my battery is brand new, only ran it for about a week. I am so confused. Any ideas, i need help!!!!

**Martin0660** · 03-10-2009, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by fordandmopar21

I have a jumper pack hooked up to the battery and when the car is running as soon as i take it off it automatically dies.

That pretty well points to the alternator.

**Shadowstealth** · 03-10-2009, 11:46 PM

i honestly would think its the alternator...what do you have to loose... get a new one... and then put it on... if it doesnt fix the problem clean it up and take it back... but i couldnt think of anything else... i know you said you tested it.. but ... i dunno... im not ase certified lol

**fordandmopar21** · 03-10-2009, 11:51 PM

I tested it at 2 different advances and it was normal voltage, i know what your saying though. It sounds EXACTLY like an alternator problem lol i guess i could go get one and see if it solves the problem.

**Martin0660** · 03-10-2009, 11:56 PM

Before you spend any money on it............

What is the wiring like? There are fusible links in the charge wires on those cars. If i'm remebering correctly what car you have, when I looked at it, the wiring was a mess.

If I was going to put money into an alternator, I would move to a 95 or 130 amp 3G. That conversion eliminates the voltage regulator, and runs a charge wire to the battery (solenoid, but same thing).

Also, Frank should have an alternator he got from my Capri. We KNOW that is a good one that you could use to test.

**fordandmopar21** · 03-10-2009, 11:58 PM

Yes the wiring is fried on most of the car but the connecting part where it meets the alternator is good and metal is touching. Im pretty sure its not the wiring because i drove this car for about a month with no problems. I would like to convert to a 130 amp though, i have an e-fan and it would just be a lot better.

**lib88stang** · 03-10-2009, 11:59 PM

I have had a fuse link bad going to alt wiring. sheck before and after fuse link for power.

**Martin0660** · 03-11-2009, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by Martin0660

There are fusible links in the charge wires on those cars.

Originally Posted by lib88stang

I have had a fuse link bad going to alt wiring. sheck before and after fuse link for power.

This is what I meant by that. Alternator will test good, but an open fuse link wont let it go anywhere.

**fordandmopar21** · 03-11-2009, 12:04 AM

I understand now. Ill check that out tomorow when theres daylight. Thanks guys!

**Silverhatch** · 03-11-2009, 01:38 PM

If you pulled the alt off and it checks out ok, reinstall it, charge the battery, fire the car up. Check the voltage across the + and - posts. If it reads zero, its gotta be wiring. I upgraded my alt to a 130, can't remember what the stockers put out at idle 12 amp?

**fordandmopar21** · 03-11-2009, 11:38 PM

I got it fixed, i feel like a complete idiot. It was a bad battery. Went to advance, got it exchanged and was good as new lol im glad thats all it was though.

**loutheplumbr** · 03-12-2009, 12:27 PM

yep i've had several newer batteries have the posts burn off internaly and will show voltage but not pass any amperage through them

**fordandmopar21** · 03-13-2009, 04:02 PM

Well i thought i fixed the problem but its back. I drove the car for a good 2 days and instead of slowly loosing power it just shut off out of the blue and did the same thing as before. Im thinking its wiring. I have no clue at this point though. Any help again?

**How Much?** · 03-13-2009, 05:00 PM

Simple fix would be a ROADFLARE

But seriously check those fuse links

**fordandmopar21** · 03-13-2009, 06:47 PM

Where are they? I was looking for them and i dont know too much about these cars yet.

**How Much?** · 03-13-2009, 06:58 PM

Check around the solinoid, or if you want, i can take a peek for ya and see whats up with it

**lib88stang** · 03-13-2009, 07:10 PM

Did you ever change the wiring in that car? If not check around the solnoid because I think thats were you may find your problem

**fordandmopar21** · 03-13-2009, 07:55 PM

I did not change the wiring. The wires around the solenoid are a little burnt just like everything else but they seem ok, metal is touching metal so there is a decent connection between them.

Do you know if that wiring harness on the t-bird at loskos will fit my car because im trying to find a complete engine harness?