generator/battery
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7
From:
generator/battery
I have had a 64.5 mustang for about a month. I has a generator. All of the sudden, the battery isn't charging. By the marks on the battery it looks like it is only a year old(Interstate). It has openings to add water (not maintainace free), so maybe it is a 1994 and not a 2004. Anyway I can charge the battery on a charger and the cars runs great for 2-3 days, then the battery dies again. The generator light comes on when the car is being started and not while the car runs, so I assume the generator is working well. Is this a correct assumption and I should blame the problem on the battery? Also what is the difference between a generator and an alternator?
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I ♥ Acer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,394
From:
RE: generator/battery
I'd say either you have a weak cell in the battery or a generator that is weak......after starting pull the pos. battery cable is if it quits or starts to idle funny.....its the gen. needs to be bought convert to an alt.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,028
From:
RE: generator/battery
Use a volt meter to check the voltage output of the generator.Check the battery before the initial startup,it should be 12+ volts.Then start the car,check the voltage of the generator at the battery terminals.It should be 13+ volts.If not it could be the voltage regulator or the generator itself.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 51
From:
RE: generator/battery
If the volts aren't up to specs when you test the system check the voltage regulator first. I'm not sure what terminals to ground at the regulator but pick up an older shop manual and it will give you the sequence on checking the system. Also have the battery load tested. Could be you just have a bad battery. There aren't too many of the old generator equipped Mustangs left. Most people changed them over to the alternator systems years ago. Good luck.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 176
From:
RE: generator/battery
I had a 68 for a while, and I had the same problem. Chances are you probably have a short that drains your battery down while it's parked. But like mentioned before I would check the voltage on the battery while the vehicle is running, you should be upwards of 14 volts. IF that checks out, I would check to see if there is a current draw while the vehicle is off. Check out This forum if you are unsure on how to check for current draw. Good luck.
