You will notice the battery light on your 2007 Ford Focus when the charging system is not functioning correctly. An alternator problem, internal voltage regulator problem, or wiring connector problem is likely the cause of the light.
The alternator wiring and plug should be checked as well. Ford Focus dashboards display a red battery light when the charging system malfunctions.
A malfunctioning battery circuit or alternator system could cause your vehicle’s battery light to stay on even when the alternator is charging. As a result, improper charging will occur. There are several reasons why this may occur, which we will discuss in this article.
2007 Ford Focus Battery Light on but Alternator Is Charging – Common Reasons
Battery lights may illuminate when you have a bad alternator system or certain defects, indicating that a charging issue needs to be addressed. To solve the problem, you will need to identify the underlying cause.
It can be caused by a variety of factors that the alternator’s battery light is on while it is charging. For example, an issue with your battery system or other parts of your car could cause the problem.
Serpentine Belt Worn Out
In the event of an old or worn-out serpentine or drive belt, the battery lights would intermittently illuminate. Visually inspect the damage and determine its extent.
Make sure the drive belt is replaced to ensure accurate operation. Choose a shop that you can rely on to take care of the replacement. If you aren’t proficient enough to replace a belt, do not attempt to do so.
Problems With Alternators
When charging your battery, your battery lights may stay on due to alternator problems. There are several signs of these issues, such as dim headlights, charging, and abrasive indicator lights.
In addition, the alternator sounds loud, the battery needs copious water, and the engine needs to be cranked hard or slowly. The damaged part needs to be replaced.
When you are charging, alternator problems can also cause problems, so you need to determine the exact component causing the issue. In order to repair a malfunctioning part, you must identify it properly so that you know exactly which part to replace.
Battery Clamps That Are Loose
The battery light will stay lit if the battery clamps aren’t tightened tightly enough to prevent the cables from improperly connecting to the car battery. Make sure the clamps are properly tightened using a wrench so that the terminals are completely covered.
This should be done with protective gloves. It is also possible to have your vehicle examined by a mechanic to ensure that you have the clamp tightened properly. If they are going to go over your car, you may want them to check for other faulty parts while you are there.
Corroded Or Dirty Battery Terminals
The charging process will not work properly when battery terminals are corroded or stained. Battery lights can be triggered when a green or white material is found on the terminals or on the top of the battery.
It must be cleaned up with grease. The battery cables and battery terminals can be removed for cleaning.
Once the terminals have been cleaned with grease, you can reinstall the battery. It is possible to have your car cleaned at a motor service center. It is recommended that you avoid touching the substance as it may irritate your skin.
2007 Ford Focus Alternator Problems: Symptoms And Causes
Depending on how well you maintain your alternator, it could last 13 years. Even with good maintenance, it will encounter problems due to wear and tear like any other piece of equipment.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to replace a bad alternator system before it damages your battery. The following are some common symptoms of a faulty alternator.
Electrical Failures
The electrical system in your car runs in addition to the gasoline system. In the event that your alternator fails to provide the needed electricity or power, you will also be unable to operate other parts of your vehicle.
There are many different parts in these automobiles, including driver-assist features, navigation, air conditioning, radio, dashboard lights, and remote controls. Consequently, you should always maintain the alternator system of your car as a malfunction could affect several of its major components.
Having Difficulty Starting Or Stalling
Having a faulty alternator can make the engine unable to run efficiently because it cannot provide sufficient power to the spark plugs. The engine would refuse to start or stall while driving in this unfortunate situation.
You could be on a highway at the time of this incident, and you do not know what would happen next if you were. Check your alternator and engine before driving to prevent this.
There Are Noises Under The Hood
There is a range of reasons why strange noises can be heard in an automobile, including worn bearings, a faulty serpentine belt, a loose alternator pulley, and loose belts, among others.
Your car’s engine or any other part can make these noises. Visit a motor shop immediately if you hear anything strange. Replace the bad part or repair it as necessary once you have diagnosed the source.
Headlights And Lights Dimming
You may also notice your vehicle’s headlights dimming or flickering if you have a bad alternator.
Check your alternator system if your lights are dimming without any apparent reason. You should also check the battery because it might be undercharged. Check for dysfunctional diodes as well.
The Battery Fails And Consumes Quickly
Your battery would quickly drain if your alternator was faulty. A bad alternator drains your battery instead of supplying power to your car. Therefore, you should also check your alternator when you replace the batteries.
The Battery Indicator Light Remains On
There is a possibility of intermittent or permanent occurrence of this symptom. It is important to observe how often and how long it occurs. Identify the part to replace by thoroughly inspecting the alternator system.
How To Deal With A Stuck Battery Light?
If the battery light remains on or goes on and off, here’s a simple procedure you can use.
Take the Vehicle to the Service Center
The best method is to have your vehicle inspected by an experienced mechanic, as they will be able to figure out what’s wrong with it. Even though the service may cost more, you will be confident that the mechanic has properly diagnosed your car’s problem.
A competent mechanic should be consulted if this procedure does not resolve the problem. To keep your car in good condition, take it to your car dealer’s service department or a service shop you trust. They should perform a complete performance test.
Troubleshooting System Issues
Troubleshooting minor system issues should be part of your car ownership education. Ensure you inspect your car daily, fix minor problems using the manual, and know when you need a mechanic.
A dimming light might be caused, for instance, by a leak in your AC voltage. You would also lose your battery power quickly if there were a leak. You can prevent this by troubleshooting your car’s problems before they cause other problems.
Conduct A Battery Terminal Test
By moving the wires from side to side, you can determine which electrical connection is faulty. Take note of the time when the voltage reading increases as you do this. It indicates a faulty connection if it does.
Make sure your assistant pays attention to the indicator light. You may have a faulty connection if it goes off when you touch the connection wire. Using a voltmeter, you can also determine which wire connections are bad by observing whether the reading rises. The connection is bad if the meter reading goes up.
Electrical System Repair Costs
Diagnosis and repair of your car will depend on how it responds to the diagnostic process, the type of vehicle, and any required repairs or replacements. In general, the cost would be between $100 and $1000.
A starter replacement will be the most expensive part of the repair, while a fuse replacement will be the cheapest. In some dealer shops, the service fee is charged separately, ranging from $40 to $500, while in others, it is included.
If you have enough car knowledge, you may be able to repair them yourself. Nonetheless, I don’t recommend this method if you aren’t familiar with repairs.
The Bottom Line
Test the battery voltage when the battery light comes on in your Ford Focus when the engine is running when the battery light comes on. If the voltage test fails, then the alternator and its electrical connections need to be tested.
In Ford Focus, a faulty alternator is the most common cause of illuminating the battery light. However, the battery light can also come on if a wire is damaged or corroded if the battery terminals are corroded, if the ground connection is bad or if the serpentine belt is slipping.
Leave a Reply