Battery indicator light on after battery replacement

Asked by GuruBK4Y4 Jan 09, 2019 at 03:20 PM about the 2007 Ford F-150 XLT 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2007 F150 that sit in my garage for 7 months.  When I got home the
battery was dead so I charged it and truck stated fine but battery would not
hold a charge.  Since the battery was dated May 2013 I figured it was the
battery plus when I removed it I noticed that the negative post had started
separating from the battery housing.  Once I installed the new battery, the truck
started right up, however, the battery indicator light was on.  I drove the truck a
few miles and the light would go off then come back on periodically.  Today I
drove the truck for 25 miles and the light stayed on permanently.  I have already
cleanened the posts and terminals.  Should my next step be to have my alt
checked?  Trying to eliminate all possible causes myself before having to take
my truck into a repair shop.  Any help or suggestions will be highly appreciated!

1 Answer

I would go ahead and check the alternator. If you have a multimeter check the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine running. The reading should be 13.5 to 14.5 volts or something close to that. If it is reading 12.5 or lower the alternator is not doing anything.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    42,600
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,040
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,890
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
197 Great Deals out of 5,920 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
129 Great Deals out of 6,530 listings starting at $3,975
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
18 Great Deals out of 1,153 listings starting at $8,995
Used Toyota Tundra
34 Great Deals out of 1,340 listings starting at $8,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 1,085 listings starting at $9,998
Used Dodge RAM 1500
5 Great Deals out of 63 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Mustang
61 Great Deals out of 1,349 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Ranger
25 Great Deals out of 1,579 listings starting at $5,400
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
26 Great Deals out of 1,242 listings starting at $9,500
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
25 Great Deals out of 1,492 listings starting at $8,000
Used Ford Explorer
66 Great Deals out of 2,050 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.