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Hello all,

I'm having problem with my 2004 Ford Focus ZX5. The problem all started with ignition light low and the car will not start. It started after jump-started the car. It was tested and said it has bad battery which I replaced immediately. The battery went down over the night and the car couldn't next morning. I bought a new alternator and replaced the old one, then changed the battery second time to a new one. The car drove all day fine with no issue. The problem started again this morning when I wanted to start the ignition, but started after jump-starting. I left the engine running after I got to work to see if the alternator will charge the battery, but it shot off by itself and could not start again. Does anyone have experienced this before or know solution to my problem? Your quick response will be highly appreciated. Thank you all.

Maybe you got a bad alternator or something is draining the battery. I had to replace an alternator in the parking lot of the auto zone and after we got it installed had them test it again to make sure was working correctly.

Maybe you got a bad alternator or something is draining the battery. ...


This probably. To test you need to know that normal alternator voltage is 14ish. If you get 12ish you probably are pullling from the battery and the alternator isn't giving you power.

It also would be good to inspect/clean your battery cables and their ends if you haven't done it already.

Maybe you got a bad alternator or something is draining the battery. ...
Right. Another possibility is an open circuit (such as a broken wire, a loose or corroded connection, or an open fusible link) somewhere in the wiring between the alternator and the battery.

Thank you guys for your responses. I took the battery to Autozone for them to charge it for me, it was tested 100% good. Meanwhile, the car started the first time I changed to a new battery, but will not start after a period of time unless I jumpstart it. I found a broken F2 fuse working for the cooling fan which I replaced. The problem still continues, the ignition light is so low for the car to crank without jumpstarting.
It sounds like something is draining the battery but the battery is tested 100% good and still not starting the car. I need more ideas from you guys. Thank you all in advance.

What's the voltage at the battery with engine running? As ILAveo said, if it's low and falling, the alternator isn't providing power. That could be caused by either a defective alternator or an open circuit in the wiring.

did they test the alternator too or just your battery??


what do you mean by ignition light low?? check engine light or what??

Thank you guys for your comments. Everything finally worked fine after I changed the two terminals to new ones. I was suppose to start dealing with my problem by changing the two battery terminal first, follow by changing the battery. Maybe I shouldn't have spent money to buy the new alternator/went through all the stresses. Thank you again for your time.

Well Now you know all will be good with your battery and charging system for a while now!

always do the cheap/easy stuff first